Mechanism of Rupture of High Polymers
Abstract In connection with the wide distribution of high molecular weight compounds and the great successes in the field of synthesis of these materials, the study of the general principles of the processes of irreversible deformation and rupture of high polymer materials may be included among the important tasks of science and technology. In some cases it is desired to increase to the maximum the strength of the high molecular weight material, as for example in preparing articles from synthetic fibers, rubbers, plastics, etc., while on the other hand in others an increase in strength is undesirable. Thus, for example, food products, into whose composition high molecular weight materials are introduced, should naturally not be too strong. The preparation of reclaim from used rubber articles includes grinding. Here it is attempted to find such a combination of grinding conditions that will proceed with the minimum consumption of energy. In order to have the possibility of increasing or decreasing the strength of the high molecular weight substances, it is necessary to clarify the mechanism of ruptures and to know what is the relation between the forces of reaction between the structural elements of the material and tensile strength.