- Author
-
Clark, E. J.
- Title
- Molecular and Microstructural Factors Affecting Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Cover Plate Materials.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- U.D. Department of Energy, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 85-3197
July 1985
67 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
-
mechanical properties; polymers; microstructure; degradation; coverings; reviews; deformation; structural analysis; plastics; molecular structure; molecular weight; crosslinking; materials tests
- Abstract
- The paper reviews the dependence of mechanical properties of polymers on various microstructural factors. The microstructural and molecular factors considered are: molecular weight, crystallinity, crosslinking, branching, copolymerization, plasticization, orientation, and residual stresses. The types of mechanical properties considered are: direct loading, fatigue, creep, wear and abrasion, and environmental stress cracking. The effects of polymer deformation and fraction at the molecular level are discussed. Cracking, crazing, and shear yielding are described. Polymeric cover plate materials are discussed and their degradation reviewed. Methods to measure microlevel changes in polymers are identified.