Cavitation polymers

It was shown that for most crystalline polymers, including polypropylene and other polyolefins, the tensile drawing proceeds at a much lower stress than kinematically similar channel die compression [10,17]. Lower stress in tension was always associated with cavitation of the material. Usually a cavitating polymer is characterized by larger and more perfect lamellar crystals and cavities are formed in the amorphous phase before plastic yielding of crystals. If the lamellar crystals are thin and defected then the critical shear stress for crystal plastic deformation is resolved at a stress lower than the stress needed for cavitation. Then voiding is not activated. An example of such behavior is low density polyethylene [10]. 

Dompas D, Groeninckx G (1994) Toughening behavior of rubber-modified thermoplastic polymers involving very small rubber partides. 1. A criterion for internal rubber cavitation. Polymer 35 4743... 

Fig 8 78 Cavitation erosion resistance ranking of solid polymers... 

The role of cavitation in ultrasound degradation has been confirmed repeatably in most experiments where cavitation was prevented, either by applying an external hydrostatic pressure, by degassing the solution, by reducing the sound intensity or the temperature, polymer chain scission was also largely suppressed [117]. 

Fig. 31. Bubble wall velocity vs time during cavitational collapse for different values of the parameter X defined as X ss 0.4 c iTl] p./fri/2 (Ph — Pv)i/2). X permits us to account for the viscous and inertia effects of the polymer solution (redrawn according to Ref. [122]) ...

For general aspects on sonochemistry the reader is referred to references [174,180], and for cavitation to references [175,186]. Cordemans [187] has briefly reviewed the use of (ultra)sound in the chemical industry. Typical applications include thermally induced polymer cross-linking, dispersion of Ti02 pigments in paints, and stabilisation of emulsions. High power ultrasonic waves allow rapid in situ copolymerisation and compatibilisation of immiscible polymer melt blends. Roberts [170] has reviewed high-intensity ultrasonics, cavitation and relevant parameters (frequency, intensity,... 

We can divide the surface contact properties of polymers into two categories those in which the surface remains intact when it comes into contact with another surface and the polymer surface s resistance to damage. Friction and cling fall into the first category. Surface damage can be caused by erosion, abrasion, or cavitation. 

Wear is the removal of surface material by one of three mechanisms erosion, abrasion, or cavitation. Erosion is the removal of a polymer s surface by abrasive materials carried in a fluid medium. We see this type of wear in plastic pipes used to transport waterborne slurries of minerals in mining operations and in vacuum transfer pipes used to convey powders in a stream of air. Abrasion is the result of two surfaces sliding against each other. We commonly observe abrasion of polymers in the fabrics of our clothes and upholstery. Cavitative wear is caused by voids in a liquid medium collapsing against a surface. It is essentially an impact process. Cavitation is a relatively uncommon cause of wear in polymers. Pump impellers are one of the few applications where polymers must resist this type of wear. 

Reduction in the apparent bulk viscosity due to a change in polymer rheology. It is well known that ultrasound can lead, via degradation, to a reduction in polymer solution viscosity. Although Fairbrother did not investigate whether degradation of the polymer, and subsequent reduction in R.M.M. and hence viscosity had occurred, it seems reasonable to assume that the polymer melt with an initial viscosity of 30000-100000 poise would certainly have resisted cavitation and thus degradation. 

Fig. 8.1. Toughening mechanisms in rubber-modified polymers (1) shear band formation near rubber particles (2) fracture of rubber particles after cavitation (3) stretching, (4) debonding and (5) tearing of rubber particles (6) transparticle fracture (7) debonding of hard particles (8) crack deflection by hard particles (9) voided/cavitated rubber particles (10) crazing (II) plastic zone at craze tip (12) diffuse shear yielding (13) shear band/craze interaction. After Garg and Mai (1988a).

Brennen C (1970) Some cavitation experiments with dilute polymer solutions J Fluid Mech 44 51... 

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