Disclination loops in polymers

Abstract

Similar to the dislocations in polymers caused by chain displacement, disclinations are caused by chain kinking and twisting. Two simple kinds are considered, a twist disclination loop (due to chain twisting) and a wedge disclination loop (due to chain kinking). Their elastic properties are given including displacements, strain and stress fields, and strain energies. Some of their features are compared with those of dislocation loops. The role of disclination loops in the mechanical behavior of polymers is discussed. © 1970 The American Institute of Physics.