Dynamic properties of certain unvulcanized rubbers in the high-elastic and fluid states

The dynamic properties of a series of unvulcanized rubbers (cis-polybutadienes, Na-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene, butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymer) have been investigated in a low-frequency dynamic testing machine and a frequency rheometer on the frequency range from 5 · 10^–2 to 4.5 · 10³ Hz at temperatures of 25 and 60°C. At these temperatures the mechanical loss factor is the most sensitive criterion of transitions from one physical state of the polymer to another. For all the specimens investigated on the experimental range of angular frequencies the modulus of the complex dynamic viscosity and the effective viscosity determined under static conditions coincide, assuming the equivalence of angular frequencies and shear rates.A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 4, pp. 698–703, July–August, 1969.     

Dynamic compressive strength of epoxy composites

The strength of laminated and unidirectionally reinforced composite materials was investigated in conditions of dynamic uniaxial compression with a strain rate of 50–1000 sec^–1 using the split Hopkinson pressure bar method. It was shown that in conditions of dynamic compression, glass/epoxy, aramid/epoxy, and carbon/epoxy composites exhibit elastic-brittle behavior with anisotropy of the strength and elastic properties. The effect of the strain rate on the strength characteristics of fiberglass-reinforced plastics was demonstrated.Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 31, No. 6, pp. 776–782, November–December, 1995.Presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, October, 1995).     

Effect of external pressure on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of polymers

The behavior of crystalline polymers obtained by molding at high pressures has been investigated. External pressure can promote or retard polymer crystallization processes, depending on its intensity. Comparison of various physicochemical and mechanical properties of specimens obtained at different external pressures shows that the corresponding curves have two maxima: one at 200–800 kgf/cm² and another on the narrower interval between 1300 and 1500 kgf/cm². The position of the first maximum is associated with the molecular weight distribution and the flexibility of the polymer chain, and position of the second is determined by the chemical nature of the polymer. The data obtained help to make possible a rational choice of polymer processing methods in which pressure is involved.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 200–204, 1968     

On the number of relaxation regions in polyformaldehyde

The mechanical relaxation of a polyformaldehyde homopolymer free from surface grease and the additives normally used as stabilizers has been studied at a frequency of 10^–2 Hz in the temperature region 77–413°K. Six relaxation regions are observed on the curve of tangent of angle of mechanical losses as a function of temperature.T. G. Shevchenko Kiev State University. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 925–927, September–October, 1973.     

The nature of the β transition in the temperature dependence of polyamide mechanical loss

The mechanical loss maximum in polycaprolactam in the vicinity of –50°C at a frequency of 10 Hz ( transition) was shown not to be related directly to the presence of moisture in the polymer. This transition is also observed in dried caprone (vacuum drying at 10^–4 torr and 180°C for 30 h) after a few days following annealing. The maximum was shown by IR spectroscopy to decrease and shift towards lower temperatures when hydrogen bonding is weakened as a result of prior heating or compression strain. A conclusion is drawn concerning the relationship between the transition and hydrogen bonding which fixes the amide groups in the amorphous polymer phase.M. I. Kalinin Leningrad Polytechnic Institute. A. F. Ioffe Physical Technical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Leningrad. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 919–922, September–October, 1972.     

Study of the process of unstable flow of elastomers in open and closed channels and its connection with mechanical characteristics of the material

The unstable flow process has been studied for examples of a series of unvulcanized rubbers of different structures by a complex of methods — capillary, tribometric, and dynamic methods. A connection has been found between the critical parameters which characterize the onset of this process and the dynamic mechanical characteristics. The possibility of modeling the unstable flow process in open channels is shown.A. V. Topchiev Institute for Petrochemical Synthesis, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 530–536, May–June, 1970.     

Dynamic method of determining the mechanical characteristics of the surface layer of polymers

A thin polymer film is treated as a three-layered plate, the inner layer being characterized by the bulk and the outer layers by the surface properties of the polymer. Using the equations describing the vibrations of a cantilever element of rectangular section, the authors propose formulas for the thickness, modulus of elasticity, and mechanical loss factor of the surface layer. The mechanical characteristics of the surface layers of PMM and nitrocellulose have been determined by electromagnetically exciting and photometrically recording vibrations in film specimens of varying thickness.Institute of the Chemistry of High-Molecular Compounds, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 548–550, May–June, 1969.     

Dynamic mechanical spectroscopy of polyethylenes with aggregating disperse and hybrid granular-fibrous fillers

Conclusion Based on the results of dynamic experimental studies, it was shown that addition of mineral fillers to polyethylenes does not result in a significant change in the relaxation properties of the polymer matrix of CM. It was found that aggregation of the particles of the granular filler causes a significant increase in the real part of the modulus and a decrease in the mechanical loss tangent of the CM. The possibility of using a modified elastic solution for predicting the effective characteristics of the dynamic viscoelasticity of composites was demonstrated.Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 4. pp. 579–586, July–August, 1989.     

Dynamic loading of polymeric materials

Published material dealing with the dynamic behavior of ductile elastic materials is reviewed. The methods used up unitl now for the investigation of the mechanical characteristics of materials under the conditions of uniaxial stretching and wave propagation are evaluated. There are also presented the basic results of the experimental studies carried out in order to elucidate the effect of rate on the mechanical properties of elastomers, vitrified polymers, glass-reinforced plastics, and crystalline polymers. A review is presented of the experimental and theoretical studies dealing with wave propagation in ductileelastic rods.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Institute of Problems of Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 326–338, March–April, 1970.     

Antifriction and mechanical properties of polymer compositions based on silicone adhesives

A comparative investigation has been made of the antifriction and mechanical properties of polymer compositions based on K-400 silicone adhesive and fillers in the form of finely dispersed powdered polymers (tetrafluoroethylene, Kapron, polyethylene), graphite, sawdust, B-83 babbitt, and a lubricant^–US-2 grease. The antifriction properties of these materials are not inferior to those of some common nonferrous metals (B-83 babbitt, TsAM9-1.5 zinc alloy, OTsS5-5-5 bronze). The rational range of application of the compositions investigated is indicated.Rostov-on-Don Institute of Railroad Transport Engineers. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 5, pp. 937–940, September–October, 1969.     

Study of the role of intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds) in the initial stage of orientation of polyvinyl alcohol and vinyl alcohol copolymers

The effect of hydrogen bond rupture on the process of destruction of the starting crystallite structure of polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of vinyl alcohol and N-vinylpyrrolidone and -vinylcaprolactam has been investigated. The differential spectrum method is used to establish the frequency (3200 cm^–1) of the band corresponding to the vibrations of the bound hydroxyl groups; the temperature dependence of the optical density of the 3200 cm^–1 band has been recorded. The strength of the starting structure is calculated from the stress-strain diagram and its temperature dependence is plotted. It is concluded that the strength of the starting structure is chiefly determined by the presence of hydrogen bonds between the polymer macromolecules.Leningrad Kirov Institute of Textile and Light Industry. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 2, pp. 327–329, March–April, 1971.     

Temperature dependence of the mechanical properties of polymers of different chemical structure in the temperature range from 4.2 to 300°K

Conclusions 1. The temperature dependences obtained for the ultimate alongation, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of various polymers showed that the relationship between the mechanical properties and chemical structure of macromolecules found in our earlier work at 4.2°K is retained at 78°K and, possibly, up to 90°K.2. It was shown that the passage of the tensile strength through a maximum upon warming from 4.2°K results from a corresponding increase in deformability, which is accompanied by a decrease in the elastic modulus and deviation of the polymer bodies from Hooke's law progressively with increasing temperature.3. It was shown that the amorphization of crystallizing polymers, for example, by quenching, gives a marked change in the deformability, tensile strength, and elasticity of the polymer body over the entire range from 300 down to 4.2°K.4. Study of the mechanical properties of polymers at 78°K in a helium medium and liquid nitrogen showed a marked effect of contact of the polymer with liquid nitrogen on these properties. This effect is different for polymers of varying chemical structure as well as for the same polymer in different physical states.Report presented at the Third All-Union Conference on Polymer Mechanics, Riga, November 10–12, 1976.L. Ya. Karpov Scientific-Research Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 3, pp. 387–391, May–June, 1977.     

The dynamic properties of polyethylene and an acrylonitrile — Butadiene — Styrene material in a broad range of temperature and strain-rate variation

Conclusions The mechanical properties of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene material and polyethylenes of densities =0.92 and 0.96 g/cm³ are studied within the temperature range of from 100 to –196°C and at strain rates of from 10^–3 to 1.3 · 10³ sec^–1. It is observed that under low-temperature and high-strain-rate conditions, the laws governing the mechanical properties of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene material and polyethylenes are similar. Regions of strain rates and temperatures are found for which the behavior of the test materials is in good agreement with the Ree-Eyring equation, and, consequently, conforms to a temperature-time analogy. No embrittlement of the polyethylene is observed during tests at strain rates to 1.3 · 10³ sec^–1 and temperatures down to –196°C. In approximating these values of and T, the mechanical properties of polyethylenes will cease to be dependent on initial density.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 6, 1027–1033, November–December, 1978.     

A study of the special features of stress relaxation in irradiated polytetrafluoroethylene

As a result of experimental studies of stress relaxation in polytetrafluoroethylene irradiated with various doses (from 2×10⁴ to 1×10⁶ rads), data have been obtained which make it possible to judge the rate of occurrence of relaxation processes in the polymer. A number of special features have been revealed which distinguish the character of occurrence of relaxation processes in the irradiated and nonirradiated material.Plastics Scientific-Research Institute, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 1, pp. 148–150, January–February, 1972.     

Effect of the chemical structure of the polymer matrix on the properties of foam polyurethanes at low temperatures

The dependence of physical and mechanical properties of oligoether-based foam polyurethanes on the molecular mass (M_c) of polymer chains between the nodes of the polymer network and on the content of rigid segments in the polymer is investigated at 293 and 98K. The values of M_c at which the foam plastics have the best mechanical properties at low temperatures are determined. The content of rigid segments in the polymer at which foam polyurethanes have the best combination of the linear thermal expansion coefficient and mechanical properties in tension at a temperature of 98K is found.Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 517–526, July–August, 1999.     

The dynamic mechanical behavior of heterogeneous polymer systems

The dynamic mechanical properties of copolymers, block polymers, and blends of rubbers based on butadiene and isoprene have been studied over a wide range of temperatures. The principal laws governing the dynamic behavior of heterogeneous polymer systems are established. The method can be used to determine the mutual compatibility of polymers and their concentration in mixtures and to analyze the composition of copolymers.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 1, No. 5, pp. 85–89, 1965     

Physico-mechanical properties of polymer materials and the friction problem

Aspects of the friction behavior of polymer materials associated with their molecular structure and responsible for the relatively small value of the modulus of elasticity as compared with the ultimate strength are examined. It is shown that, in view of the important influence of hydrostatic pressure on the mechanical properties of polymer materials, the mechanical characteristics obtained from uniaxial testing cannot be used in calculating the contact area and the forces of friction. Formulas are presented for calculating the mechanical characteristics under these conditions. The results of indentation experiments designed to simulate contact processes are discussed. It is shown that the resistance to deformation of the asperities on the surface of polymer materials is of the order of the yield stress, and not two or three times greater, as with metals. The results of contact creep studies are described and evaluated. The results of investigations of the mechanical and antifriction properties of filled polymer materials show that the forces of friction are inversely proportional to the modulus of elasticity, while the thermophysical characteristics are a function not only of the thermophysical characteristics of the filler and the base, but also depend to a great extent on the shape of the filler particles; thus, when a fibrous filler with a low coefficient of linear expansion is used, the thermal stability of the friction material can be considerably improved. The results of a study of the adhesion interaction of polymer materials under conditions of omnidirectional nonuniform compression and simultaneous deformation are presented. It is shown that the adhesion interaction is strong even at room temperature. Aspects of the mechanical properties of lubricants that determine their effectiveness in polymer friction are considered.Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Latvian SSR, Riga. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 303–314, March–April, 1969.     

Nature and mechanism of friction of rubberlike polymers in different physical states

We have investigated the frictional properties of crosslinked butadiene-nitrile and butadiene-styrene copolymers and natural rubber in friction against polished steel under vacuum conditions in the temperature interval from –200 to +150° C, which embraces the glassy and high-elastic states, as well as the transition region between them. The temperature dependence of polymer friction is characterized by two maxima, a principal and a low-temperature maximum. The principal maximum, observed in the glass transition region, is not associated with the mechanical loss maximum observed in the polymers themselves. The temperature dependence of the force of friction is composed of three parts. In the high-elastic region there is an increase in the force of friction with fall in temperature, in accordance with the molecular-kinetic theory of friction of rubberlike polymers. In this region the nature of friction is associated with mechanical losses in the surface layer of polymer. The mechanical losses inside the polymer itself are unimportant. The deviation from the theoretical curve and the fall in the force of friction below a certain temperature in the transition region are chiefly associated with a decrease in the actual area of contact as the polymer passes into the glassy state. In the glassy region the friction is significantly determined by the mechanical losses in the polymer itself associated with the repeated elastic and forced-elastic deformation of the asperities in the layer of polymer in contact with the rigid surface. Therefore the low-temperature maximum is closely related to the mechanical loss maximum observed in the same temperature region in dynamic tests. Apart from this, the friction maximum is also associated with the increase in the forces of adhesion and the reduction of the actual area of contact at temperatures at which a forced-elastic mechanism of compression of the polymer asperities is not realized.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 123–135, 1967     

Composite specimen method of simulating the dynamic mechanical properties of two-component heterogeneous polymeric compositions

The composite specimen method is used to simulate the dynamic mechanical properties of heterogeneous polymeric systems.Moscow Lenin State Pedagogical Institute, Problem Laboratory of Polymer Physics. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 6, pp. 1119–1122, November–December, 1969.     

Special features of the effect of cellular structure on the mechanical properties of foamed plastics

On the basis of the cell model proposed the mechanical characteristics of high-density foamed plastics are calculated. Assuming the general application of the foaming mechanism and the formation of macrostructure, the principle of structural-mechanical superposition of foamed plastics is established. This enables the equivalence of changes in their strength and elastic properties to be indicated over a wide range of variation of the stiffness of the polymer base and the apparent density of the foamed material.Scientific-Research Institute for Synthetic Resins, Vladimirsk. Translated from Mekhanika Polimerov, No. 6, pp. 976–981, November–December, 1972.