Effect of strain rate on the fracture toughness of some ductile polymers using the essential work of fracture (EWF) approach

Emma C.Y. Ching, Wendy K.Y. Poon, Robert K.Y. Li, Yiu-Wing Mai

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    51 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The plane strain fracture toughness of two ductile polymers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), was measured by using the essential work of fracture approach. Truly plane strain fracture toughness (wIe) was measured for ABS at quasi-static and impact rates of loading. For UHMWPE, the measured values were only `near' plane strain values (wIe*). It was confirmed both wIe* and wIe were independent of specimen type but dependent on strain rate. For UHMWPE, there was a negative strain rate effect, i.e., wIe* decreased with increasing loading rate. At low quasi-static loading rate (v≤10 mm/min), wIe* was constant at 55 kJ/m2. It then decreased to 15 kJ/m2 when the loading rate was increased to 100 mm/min, and remained at that value even up to impact rate of loading (v = 3.7 m/s). For ABS, a mild positive strain rate effect was observed. WIe increased from 13 kJ/m2 at v = 10 mm/min to 17 kJ/m2 at v = 3.7 m/s.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2558-2568
    JournalPolymer Engineering and Science
    Volume40
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2000

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