ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 9

Fracture Toughness Evaluation of Polymers with Surface-Crack Specimens

Mai, YW
Lecturer, University of Sydney, Sydney, N.S.W.

Abstract

The use of surface-crack specimens subjected to tension and bending loads for the fracture toughness evaluation of two typical polymers, polypropylene and polystyrene, is described. Experimental results are discussed with particular reference to various correction factors such as slow growth, finite width, back face, crazing, and yielding. Fracture toughness values are also given for two grades of polystyrene of different molecular weights in the temperature range −160 to +40°C.

Keywords:
fracture properties, polymers, cracks, craze growth, bending, tension, yielding, crazing, crack propagation

Paper ID: JTE10578J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10578J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.