The Influence of a Metallic Filler on Relaxation Processes in Polyacrylates

Abstract

The spectra of internal friction in elastic acrylic polymers are investigated by the method of dynamic mechanical relaxation spectroscopy in a wide temperature range in the absence and presence of a finely dispersed iron powder giving consideration to its distribution in the polymer film, which is analyzed using the atomic force and scanning electron microscopy methods. The study of the spectra is based on the analysis of the α, β, and μ relaxation processes occurring in unfilled and filled polymers. The spectra show an increase in the glass transition temperature of the polymer in the presence of a filler and a decrease in inelastic properties in the frequency–temperature dependence. The processing of internal friction spectra at temperatures below 0°C makes it possible to reveal µ processes that correspond to the formation of various forms of ice, destruction of the polymer structure upon freezing, and a decrease in elastic properties, which are most pronounced in systems with a filler. Identification of regions of polymer inelasticity is important for its operation at both the glass transition temperature and temperatures below 0°C.