Preliminary Studies of the Fractography of Fibers and Other Polymeric Materials in the Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

This paper describes a manipulative stage which can be used to vary the strain applied to fibers, yarns, fabrics, or films within the evacuated specimen chamber of a Cambridge Stereoscan SEM. In another similar stage, an object can be twisted or rotated about its axis so that its complete periphery may be examined.

Some of the problems encountered, such as the difficulty in maintaining a conductive surface, are considered. Qualita tive observations of the fracture characteristics of some types of natural and commercial man-made fibers strained in tensile, loop tensile, and knot tensile tests are presented, as well as some observations on fibers subjected to twisting forces. Finally, observations on the tearing,of a photographic film are recorded.