Application of Electron Spin Resonance Techniques to High Polymer Fracture

Abstract

High polymer solids are often characterized by a complex response to mechanical excitations. This response is directly related to structural properties: the nature of the molecular chains, the kind and number of cross-links, degree of crystallinity, intermolecular forces, and the content and nature of fillers and plasticizers. These properties also influence the time-dependent ultimate strength of the material. It has been, therefore, and still is well-established practice to correlate ultimate strength, i.e., occurrence of fracture, with information obtained from a study of the elastic, anelastic, and plastic deformation of the material at various temperatures and under various modes of mechanical excitation.