Mechanics of large-strain deformation of particle-modified polymers

Over the past several decades, engineering polymers have become increasingly prevalent in the manufacture of virtually all types of products. Polymers are substantially less dense than metals, easy to machine, and readily formed into quite complex geometries. The properties of polymers may be altered by the introduction of second-phase particles. Typically, soft, rubber particles are added to increase fracture toughness while rigid, mineral particles are added to reduce costs or to increase stiffness, thermostability, or porosity. The deformation to large strains of particle-modified thermoplastic polymers is investigated. Blends with rubber particles and blends with calcium carbonate particles are considered. A novel experimental technique is utilized to characterize the three-dimensional deformation of polycarbonate blends and high-density polyethylene blends during uniaxial tension tests. True stress, true strain, volumetric strain, and full-field contours of strain are extracted from images of the deforming specimens. The experimental results are used to construct and verify single-particle and multi-particle micromechanical models.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Parsons, Ethan M. (Ethan Moore), 1972-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Mary C. Boyce and David M. Parks.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/37048

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/37048