AbstractElastomers, based on cellulose fibers, were synthesized by grafting ethyl acrylate onto fibers preirradiated by a high‐energy electron beam. The rheological properties and fine structure of the elastomers were investigated in order to determine factors in development of rubber‐like elastomeric behavior. Mechanical properties of the elastomers depended on (1) degree of polymerization of irradiated cellulose molecules, (2) extent of grafting, and (3) experimental methods of evaluation, particularly in varying environmental conditions, for example, in making measurements in air, water, or ethyl acetate. Glass transition temperatures of the elastomers were dependent on the environmental conditions of evaluation; stiffnesses of the elastomers levelled off at about 0°C; and in all environments, a rubber‐like plateau was observed. Poly(ethyl acrylate) separated from the elastomers was not soluble in acetone. The mean molecular weight of the separated poly(ethyl acrylate) of the elastomer was determined in ethyl acetate by the equilibrium swelling method. It was concluded that crosslinks existed in the elastomers. Electron microphotographs of cross sections of the elastomers, which exhibited rubber‐like behavior, indicated that the fibrillar structure of the irradiated cellulose fibers formed a uniform network and that poly(ethyl acrylate) was uniformly distributed among the
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