Dependence of Linear Isobaric Thermal Expansivity of Polymers on Their Flexibility
We have obtained an equation for polymers relating their flexibility $Y$ defined in 2019 to the linear isobaric thermal expansivity $\alpha_L$. This way we have connected quantitatively a thermodynamic property to a mechanical one. The expansivity is important since different materials expand at different rates on the increase of temperature; the same applies to contraction resulting from cooling. Thus, a temperature change can cause disintegration of a composite with no mechanical force involved.