Abstract
The influence of a silicone oil environment on deformation modes and tensile behaviour of poly(methylmethacrylate) were investigated. Tests were made on samples coated with oils of varying viscosity, ranging from 5 to 1000 cSt. To investigate the effects of polymer molecular weight on environmentally induced craze growth and stability, tests were conducted on an extruded grade of relatively low molecular weight and on a cast grade of high molecular weight. All of the silicone oils acted as crazing agents and tensile strength and ductility were reduced in value as the viscosity of the oil was lowered. The low molecular weight polymer failed in a brittle manner in all environments but developed earlier and more intensive crazing as the liquid viscosity was reduced. The high molecular weight material underwent a ductile-brittle transition when the environment was changed from air to low viscosity silicone oils. The flow of the oil into existing flaws and crazes was sufficiently impeded at 1000 cSt viscosity so that both necking and surface crazing were observed under these conditions. To illustrate the various deformation and fracture modes that were observed, micrographs of free and fracture surfaces are presented and discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
