Journal of Applied Polymer Science · 2014 · 10 citations · 18 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceMechanical Behavior Of MaterialsPolymer EngineeringPolymer MaterialsComposite MaterialsFracture MechanicsFracture ToughnessNanocompositesPolymer CompositesPolymer-matrix CompositesFracture BehaviorFracture MechanismsFracture Of Composite MaterialsFracture Toughness Of PolymersMaterial Fracture BehaviorNeckingTensile TestingYield Stress
ABSTRACT The essential work of fracture (EWF) method was adapted to determine the fracture toughness of poly(propylene‐block‐ethylene) (EPBC) based nanocomposites with different amounts (from 0 up to 5 wt %) of synthetic boehmite alumina (BA). The dispersion of BA in the matrix was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopies. Agglomerated micronscale along with well dispersed nanoscale BA particles were present in the EPBC matrix. By contrast to the neat EPBC, all nanocomposites failed by unstable necking. Therefore the energy partitioning concept of the EWF was adapted and attention paid to the yielding‐related term. Both specific yielding‐related essential and nonessential work of fracture parameters increased linearly with the product of the yield stress and elongation at yield derived from static tensile tests. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131 , 40447.
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