Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A fracture mechanics approach to the effects of UV-degradation on polypropylene

  • Papers
  • Published:
Journal of Materials Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A fracture mechanics approach to the ultraviolet-degradation embrittlement of polypropylene (PP) semi-crystalline homopolymer has been evaluated. The loss in fracture properties results mainly from embrittlement of the surface, resulting in surface defects. Hence, the fracture energies of degraded and single edge notched (SEN) specimens were compared to test to what extend they agree. PP specimens were degraded artificially in a Xenontest. Degradation depth was measured by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Degraded and notched specimens were tested at different deformation velocities in three-point bending. Fracture energies of degraded specimens and specimens notched with a depth equal to that of degradation were compared. Differences were accounted for by different fracture processes which were observed by studying fracture surfaces.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. B. Rånby andJ. F. Rabek, “Photodegradation, Photooxidation and Photostabilisation of Polymers” (Wiley, London, 1975).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Norman S. Allen (ed.), “Degradation and Stabilisation of Polyolefins” (Applied Science, London, 1983) pp. 11–19.

    Google Scholar 

  3. E. Kay, A. Davis andG. L. Palmer, Conference on “The weathering behaviour of plastics and rubber” (PRI, Cambridge, 1976) lecture C2.

    Google Scholar 

  4. C. B. Bucknall andD. G. Street,J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 12 (1968) 1311.

    Google Scholar 

  5. B. Dolezel, “Die Beständigkeit von Kunststof und Gummi” (Carl Hanser, Wien, 1978).

    Google Scholar 

  6. H. E. Bair, D. J. Boyle andP. G. Kelleher,Polym. Engng Sci. 20 (1980) 995.

    Google Scholar 

  7. M. D. Wolkowicz andK. G. Statish,ibid. 21 (1981) 571.

    Google Scholar 

  8. M. G. Wyzgoski,J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 26 (1981) 1689.

    Google Scholar 

  9. K. Berger, Lecture at the “Hanauer Symposium: Beschleunigte Prufung der Licht und Wetterbeständigkeit von Kunststoffen und Lacken” (October, 1975).

  10. M. M. Qayyum andJ. R. White,J. Mater. Sci. 21 (1986) 2391.

    Google Scholar 

  11. A. V. Cunliffe andA. DAVIS,Polym. Deg. Stab. 4 (1982) 17.

    Google Scholar 

  12. E. Plati andJ. G. Williams,Polym. Engng Sci. 15 (1975) 470.

    Google Scholar 

  13. A. Sandt,Kunststoffe 12 (1982) 791.

    Google Scholar 

  14. T. Casiraghi andA. Savadori,Plastics Rubber, Mater. Appl. 2 (1980) 1.

    Google Scholar 

  15. L. Rolland, K. Thomson, S. Mostovoy andL. Broutman, Conference on “Deformation, Yield and Fracture of Polymers” (PRI, Cambridge, 1982) lecture II.

    Google Scholar 

  16. N. F. Mott,Engineering 165 (1948) 16.

    Google Scholar 

  17. G. P. Marshall, L. H. Couts andJ. G. Williams,J. Mater. Sci. 9 (1974) 1409.

    Google Scholar 

  18. J. G. Williams, “Fracture Mechanics of Polymers” (Wiley, Chichester, 1984) p. 157.

    Google Scholar 

  19. P. So andL. J. Broutman,Polym. Engng Sci. 22 (1982) 888.

    Google Scholar 

  20. P. I. Vincent,Polymer 1 (1960) 425.

    Google Scholar 

  21. M. M. Qayyum andJ. R. White,Polymer 28 (1987) 469.

    Google Scholar 

  22. E. S. Sherman, A. Ram andS. Kenig,Polym. Engng Sci. 22 (1982) 457.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Design Engineering, Technical University of Delft, Oude Delft 39a, 2611 BB, Delft, The Netherlands

    G. E. Schoolenberg

Authors
  1. G. E. Schoolenberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schoolenberg, G.E. A fracture mechanics approach to the effects of UV-degradation on polypropylene. J Mater Sci 23, 1580–1590 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01115695

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01115695

Keywords

Search

Navigation