Abstract
The influence of temperature on the resistance to rapid crack propagation of a semi-crystalline bio-based polymer was studied. The experimental results described in this study allow to initiate a first discussion on the role of viscosity and its link with the fracture behaviour and a heterogeneous microstructure such as the semi-crysalline polymer. Dynamic fracture tests on pipes were carried out. It would appear that a temperature decrease of approximately 40 C relative to ambient has no significant influence on the average crack propagation velocity (≈0.6cR), fracture energy and surface roughness. On the contrary, crack propagation paths seem to vary with temperature. The difference in fracture behaviour between the amorphous and crystalline phase varies significantly as a function of temperature. The difference between the initiation resistance and the rapid propagation also varies. This difference seems to be significantly reduced by lowering the temperature. The mechanisms of cavitation damage and plastic flow are increasingly limited by the decrease in temperature (and therefore in macromolecular mobility). Crack propagation in the pipe is more extensive and therefore more critical. This is emphasised in particular by the probability of the material to be macro-branched as the temperature decreases.
Highlights
Polyamides and more generally semi-crystalline polymers are widely used for industrial applications [1] [2]
It would appear that a temperature decrease of approximately 40 ̊C relative to ambient has no significant influence on the average crack propagation velocity (≈0.6cR), fracture energy and surface roughness
The mechanisms of cavitation damage and plastic flow are increasingly limited by the decrease in temperature
Summary
Polyamides and more generally semi-crystalline polymers are widely used for industrial applications [1] [2]. This is evidenced by the number of new grades that have appeared regularly over the last few decades. Polyamides have a fairly good fatigue strength and resistance to repeated impact over a wide range of operating temperatures. The mechanical properties of polyamides, in terms of fatigue and fracture, are affected by the effect of humidity
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