Theoretical model for the tensile strength of polymer materials considering the effects of temperature and particle content

Abstract

In this study, a physics-based temperature dependent tensile strength model for polymer materials is presented based on the equivalent relationship between the strain energy and the corresponding heat energy. This model establishes the quantitative relationship between the tensile strength of polymer materials at different temperatures, the temperature dependent Young’s modulus, the specific heat capacity at constant pressure, temperature and melting temperature. Moreover, based on the proposed temperature dependent strength model of polymers, we further considers the effect of particle content on the tensile strength of particulate-polymer composites, and finally develop the temperature and particle content dependent tensile strength model for particulate-polymer composites. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the models predictions and the available experimental results of tensile strength of polymer materials. Especially, by employing the characterized model, the optimal particle content at different temperatures corresponding to the superior mechanical properties for particulate-polymer composites can be indirectly obtained. The proposed models provide a novel train of thought to predict the tensile strength of polymer materials at different temperatures and particle contents.