Abstract
We derive the linear force-extension relation of a wormlike chain of arbitrary stiffness including entropy elasticity, bending, and thermodynamic buckling. From this we infer the plateau modulus of an isotropic entangled solution of wormlike chains. The entanglement length is expressed in terms of the characteristic network parameters for three different scaling regimes in the entangled phase. The entanglement transition and the concentration dependence of are analyzed. Finally we compare our findings with experimental data.
- Received 29 November 1995
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.77.306
©1996 American Physical Society