Changes In The Characteristics Of The Free Volume Of Glassy Polymers During Deformation And Relaxation.

Abstract

The behavior of glassy polymers was studied with the aid of mechanical tests on the basis of free volume. Three types of experiments were carried out and interpreted using modern ideas about the structure of free volume. They were: 1. The study of changes in the total free volume occurring as a result of deformation (by measurement of density) 2. The study of micro voids and their changes on deformation using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and positron annihilation 3. The study of mobile regions by the measurement of dielectric loss (using an original interpretation) during deformation. This allows several parts of the total free volume to be distinguished and investigated. A model for the free volume relaxation during deformation is proposed.