Elastin as a rubber

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Abstract
The thermoelastic behavior of water solvated elastin has been investigated in simple tension, in the temperature range 0–70°C. Specimens purified from both the ox ligamentum nuchae and pig thoracic aorta have been studied. Force data obtained by cycling the temperature for various constant specimen lengths display a separated variable dependence of the form f = A(T)B(α), where T is absolute temperature and α the extension ratio. For ligament elastin B(α) is a linear function whereas for aortic elastin it is a nonlinear function. The applicability of the rubber elasticity theory to elastin has been tested by setting A(T) equal to the temperature‐dependent front factor for simple tension of a homogeneous rubber whilst B(α) is left undefined. In this way it has been possible to take into account the fibrous nonhomogeneity of the polymer, and also to avoid any inconsistency within the theory of attributing a dependence of the variable fe/f upon extension ratio. The behavior of both ligament and aortic elastin agrees well with the conclusion that the dominant deformation mechanism is entropy elastic, fe/f ≪ 1. The linearity of the load isotherm for ligament elastin permits a particularly simple experimental procedure using a single force‐temperature plot for one value of interclamp length. Using this procedure high precision has been obtainble, and the data shows a close adherence to the theory with fe/f = 0.1. The relationship between this result and current controversy over the molecular conformation of elastin is discussed.

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