Abstract
Polymers operating in various weathering conditions must be assessed for lifetime performance. Particularly, ultraviolet (UV) radiations alters the chemical structure and therefore affect the mechanical and fatigue properties. The UV irradiation alters the polymer chemical structure, which results into a degradation of the mechanical and fatigue behavior of the polymer. The polymer properties degradation due to UV irradiation is the result of a competitive process of chain scission versus post-crosslinking. Although few studied investigated the effect of UV irradiation on the mechanical behaviour of thermoplastics, fewer examined the UV irradiation effect on the fatigue life of polymers. This study focuses on investigating the effect of UV irradiation on the fatigue properties of bulk semi-crystalline polymer; the low density Polyethylene (LDPE). Tensile specimens were exposed to different dose values of UV irradiation then subjected to fatigue loading. The fatigue tests were achieved under constant stress amplitude at a frequency of 1Hz. The results show an important decrease of the fatigue limit with increasing absorbed UV irradiation dose.
Highlights
1.1 Context of the studyBecause of their low cost, wide range of mechanical properties, and adaptability, polymers are extensively used in a large range of applications, such as aerospace and automotive industries, fluid transport, medical sectors and many others
Few studied investigated the effect of UV irradiation on the mechanical behaviour of thermoplastics, fewer examined the UV irradiation effect on the fatigue life of polymers
We have investigated the fatigue life behaviour of bulk low-density polyethylene submitted to UV-radiations
Summary
Because of their low cost, wide range of mechanical properties, and adaptability, polymers are extensively used in a large range of applications, such as aerospace and automotive industries, fluid transport, medical sectors and many others. Polymers have a large variety of molecular and supramolecular structures, separated on two basic macromolecular arrangements: amorphous and semi-crystalline structures [1]. Polyethylene (PE) is a semi-crystalline polymer that is a largely produced polymer, because of its cheap cost, outstanding electrical and mechanical properties, suitable chemical resistance, toughness, flexibility and transparency when used as thin films [2]. Polymers and polyethylene microstructure and mechanical properties degrade at different rates depending on the operation environment. Depending on the environmental and operating conditions, a degradation mechanism might be preponderant relatively to the others[9]. It is necessary to identify this preponderant degradation mechanism to control through design the material’s durability
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