Time-temperature dependence of the fracture toughness of a poly(phenylene sulphide) polymer

Abstract

Abstract

The time-temperature dependence of the fracture toughness of poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS) resin was examined. The fracture toughness was measured at several deflection rates and ambient temperatures in a three-point bending test. On the basis of these experimental results, the master curve of fracture toughness was determined from the shift factor of the thermoviscoelastic characteristics. The time-temperature dependence equivalent law can be applied to the fracture toughness by conducting a fracture test at a variety of rapidly changing deflection rates. The results clearly showed that the fracture passes from brittle to ductile near the glass transition temperature, and that the fracture of PPS is strongly dependent on the thermoviscoelastic characteristics. Therefore, the fracture toughness can be predicted for a wide range of temperatures and over a long time span.