| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/H93323/01 |
| Title: |
PHOTODEGRADATION OF THERMOPLASTICS AT A GROWING CRACK TIP |
| Principal Investigator: |
White, Professor J |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Mech Materials & Manuf Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Newcastle University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 1993 |
Ends: |
30 September 1995 |
Value (£): |
131,340
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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An experimental programme is proposed to examine stress-aided photo-degradation in thermoplastics at a crack tip. Tests are to be conducted on notched samples under ultraviolet irradiation during slow strain-rate tests conducted on purpose-built rigs of a design developed from that used for studying environment sensitive cracking in metals. Conditions at the crack tip will favour photodegradation much more than those present in the interior of a sample undergoing conventional accelerated artificial weathering. The influence on fracture behaviour will be investigated using scanning electron microscopy. A range of thermoplastics will be studied, including polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fibre reinforced polypropylene, nylon 6,6, polystyrene, polycarbonate and poly(vinylchloride). A study of the effect of stabilising systems on the fracture mechanism and on crack growth rate will be an important element of the programme. The results will provide information about the fundamental mechanism of failure during photodegradation and will be evaluated with the aim of developing an improved accelerated test for polymer weatherability. A pneumatically driven, PC-controlled, slow strain-rate machine will be built and tested alongside the conventional electric motor-driven geared rigs. If the control proves satisfactory, the pneumatic machine will have advantages over the traditional design.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.ncl.ac.uk |