Abstract
AbstractThe effect of various environmental conditions, other than chemical, on the mechanical properties of amorphous polymers is considered. The response of such polymers to an applied stress or strain depends on the mobility of polymeric chains which in turn is largely a function of free volume. The free volume varies with temperature, pressure, and plasticizer concentration; in the glassy state, it also depends on thermal history and tensile strain. These concepts are reviewed and some illustrative data, primarily from the published literature, are presented. A discussion is also given of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties (in uniaxial tension) of amorphous network polymers in the rubbery state. Methods for characterizing the ultimate tensile properties of such polymers are also described. Finally, some comments are made about the mechnical characteristics of polymers in the glassy state.
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