The Relationship Between Morphology and Mechanical Properties for Viscoelastic Polymer Composites

Abstract

Advancement in the extrusion and molding techniques of polymers has spawned an increase in applications of polymeric materials. While previously polymers have been confined to nonstructural applications, development of new composites expands the use of polymers into the structural field. The scarcity of standardized mechanical properties for polymeric material imposes the need for standardized testing methods. For some applications, standardized testing methods have been developed, but continued investigation into this area is necessary. The complexity of polymeric materials creates difficulty in the determination of mechanical properties. Temperature, time-dependence and effectiveness of reinforcing additives are a few characteristics that add to this difficulty. Advanced extrusion techniques create the ability to mold polymer composites into profiles to be used commercially as railroad ties[1]. Investigation into the relationship between molecular, morphological and mechanical properties of this material is necessary to provide complete characterization of the material. Mechanical testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy are used in the following discussion to determine the validity of a method, extrapolating effects of sustained loading from short term tests for this material. If valid, this method may be used to determine the long-term effects of static loads on the material. [From Introduction]