Reversible strain-induced order in the amorphous phase of a low-density ethylene/butene copolymer

This article deals with the characterization of the structural changes induced by uniaxial extension in the amorphous phase of an ethylene/butene copolymer. Volume change measurements indicate a reversible densification relevant to a strain-induced organization in the amorphous phase. The dynamic mechanical behavior shows an improvement of the β relaxation that reveals an important immobilization of the amorphous chains. The vibrational behavior investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy suggests that the strained amorphous chains are structurally analogous to the mesomorphic interfacial component. A discussion is made about the mechanism of the transformation of the amorphous phase into a mesomorphic structure compared to the more common strain-induced crystallization phenomenon. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 2151–2159, 1997     

Experimental and numerical investigation of yielding phenomena in a shape memory polymer subjected to cyclic tension at various strain rates

This paper presents experimental and numerical results of a polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) subjected to cyclic tensile loading. The goal was to investigate the polymer yielding phenomena based on the effects of thermomechanical coupling. Mechanical characteristics were obtained with a testing machine, whereas the SMP temperature accompanying its deformation process was simultaneously measured in a contactless manner with an infrared camera. The SMP glass transition temperature was approximately 45 °C; therefore, when tested at room temperature, the polymer is rigid and behaves as solid material. The stress and related temperature changes at various strain rates showed how the SMP yield limit evolved in subsequent loading-unloading cycles under various strain rates. A two-phase model of the SMP was applied to describe its mechanical response in cyclic tension. The 3D Finite Element model of a tested specimen was used in simulations. Good agreement between the model predictions and experimental results was observed for the first tension cycle.     

Partial molar volumes of organic solutes in water. XII. Methanol(aq), ethanol(aq), 1-propanol(aq), and 2-propanol(aq) at T = (298 to 573) K and at pressures up to 30 MPa

Density data for dilute aqueous solutions of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol are presented together with partial molar volumes at infinite dilution calculated from the experimental data. The measurements were performed at from T = (298.15 up to 573.15) K and at pressure close to the saturated vapor pressure of water, at p = 30 MPa and at pressure between these limits. The data were obtained using a high-temperature high-pressure flow vibrating-tube densimeter.     

(p, ρ, T) properties, and apparent molar volumes V? of ZnBr2 in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressures up to p = 40 MPa

The (p, ρ, T) properties of pure methanol, the (p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes V_? of ZnBr₂ in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressures up to p = 40 MPa are reported, and apparent molar volumes have been evaluated. The experimental (p, ρ, T, m) values were described by an equation of state. For the solutions the experiments were carried out at molalities m = (0.05772, 0.37852, 0.71585 and 1.95061) mol · kg⁻¹ of zinc bromide.