Slip systems in deformed stearic acid crystals

Abstract

Abstract Large single cyrstals of stearic acid with long chain molecules have been deformed in a shear test. The slip lines on the specimen surfaces were analysed in various slip directions. Three slip systems, namely {001}⟨100⟩, {001}⟨010⟩ and {001}⟨110⟩, emerged as the main systems. The stress-strain curves showed typical single-stage deformation without rapid work-hardening rates. Moreover, the yield stress in this material was of the same order of magnitude as that in aromatic hydrocarbon crystals. These results can be explained by means of the elastic theory of dislocations, with the molecules being considered as lines.