Abstract
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility. These block co-polymers are used here as an example of a structurally inhomogeneous composite containing nano-scale gradients, whose internal strain differs depending on the length scale of consideration. Here we present a combined experimental and modelling approach to the hierarchical characterization of block co-polymer deformation. Synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and radiography are used for strain evaluation across the scales. Transmission electron microscopy image-based finite element modelling and fast Fourier transform analysis are used to develop a multi-phase numerical model that achieves agreement with the combined experimental data using a minimal number of adjustable structural parameters. The results highlight the importance of fuzzy interfaces, that is, regions of nanometre-scale structure and property gradients, in determining the mechanical properties of hierarchical composites across the scales.
Highlights
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility
We show that only such modified view of the Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) structure is consistent with the experimental observations using wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS)
The sample was slowly deformed along the x axis in the laboratory coordinate system at a displacement rate of 0.5 mm min À 1, using a remotely operated and monitored rig (Deben, Suffolk, UK) equipped with a 150 N calibrated load cell
Summary
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility. These block co-polymers are used here as an example of a structurally inhomogeneous composite containing nano-scale gradients, whose internal strain differs depending on the length scale of consideration. Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPUs) cover an extremely wide range of applications today due to their remarkable properties and versatility. These block copolymers are composed of rubbery soft segments (SSs) and rigid hard segments (HSs)[1,2]. We show that only such modified view of the TPU structure is consistent with the experimental observations using wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have