Impact strength characteristics

Since the impact strength characteristics of PVC are insufficient in numerous applications, various solutions have been proposed. All involve blending PVC with an additional resin, but in most cases this causes the disappearance of properties as essential as transparence. For a long time, Pechiney-Saint Gobain has carried out research to produce an addition polymer satisfactory as a reinforcing agent but equally transparent in mixtures with PVC and which does not introduce defects normally encountered with this type of addition (e.g., a white stain on... 

LLDPE is made by a catalytic process very similar to that for HDPE, but it is a softer polyethylene than HDPE with properties similar to those of LDPE. Its properties are achieved by inclusion of comonomers such as butene or hexene. A relatively disordered crystalline state is obtained by introducing many short branches into an otherwise highly linear molecule. Thus, the less expensive equipment of the HDPE process can be used to make a product having the greater flexibility and impact strength characteristic of LDPE. 

In Chapter 18 is discussed the measurement of mechanical, electrical and optical properties of polymers. Mechanical measurements include measurement of load bearing characteristics of polymers including stress/strain curves, stress temperature curves, recovery and rupture. Also measurement of impact strength characteristics by Izod and falling weight methods and many other polymer characteristics for polymer sheet, pipe, film, powders and rubbers and elastomers. 

Tables 4—6 Ust ASTM methods used for the characterization of PB and PMP. A number of specialized methods were developed for testing particular articles manufactured from polyolefins several of these determine the performance of PB and PMP film, including the measurement of the film s dart impact strength and tear strength. Dart impact strength is measured by dropping a heavy dart with a round tip on a stretched film. Tear resistance, which reflects the film s resistance to tear propagation, is measured with the Ehnendorf tear tester. Two values for the tear strength are usually reported, one in the machine dkection of the film and the other in the transverse dkection. Pipes manufactured from PB are tested by pressurizing them internally with water the time-to-burst failure is determined at various temperatures (46). The standard test method for haze and luminous transmittance (ASTM D1003) is used for the measurement of PMP optical characteristics.

Dental abrasives range in fineness from those that do not damage tooth stmcture to those that cut tooth enamel. Abrasive particles should be irregular and jagged so that they always present a sharp edge, and should be harder than the material abraded. Another property of an abrasive is its impact strength, ie, if the particle shatters on impact it is ineffective if it never fractures, the edge becomes dull. Other desirable characteristics include the abiUty to resist wear and solvation. 

One unfortunate characteristic property of polypropylene is the dominating transition point which occurs at about 0°C with the result that the polymer becomes brittle as this temperature is approached. Even at room temperature the impact strength of some grades leaves something to be desired. Products of improved strength and lower brittle points may be obtained by block copolymerisation of propylene with small amounts (4-15%) of ethylene. Such materials are widely used (known variously as polyallomers or just as propylene copolymers) and are often preferred to the homopolymer in injection moulding and bottle blowing applications. 

The homopolymer finds a variety of uses, as an adhesive component, as a base for chewing gum, in caulking compounds, as a tackifier for greases, in tank linings, as a motor oil additive to provide suitable viscosity characteristics and to improve the environmental stress-cracking resistance of polyethylene. It has been incorporated in quantities of up to 30% in high-density polyethylene to improve the impact strength of heavy duty sacks. 

Certain polymers have come to be considered standard building blocks of the polyblends. For example, impact strength may be improved by using polycarbonate, ABS and polyurethanes. Heat resistance is improved by using polyphenylene oxide, polysulphone, PVC, polyester (PET and PBT) and acrylic. Barrier properties are improved by using plastics such as ethylene vinyl alchol (EVA). Some modem plastic alloys and their main characteristics are given in Table 1.2. 

The surface finish of the specimen may also affect impact behaviour. Machined surfaces usually have tool marks which act as stress concentrations whereas moulded surfaces have a characteristic skin which can offer some protection against crack initiation. If the moulded surface is scratched, then this protection no longer exists. In addition, mouldings occasionally have an embossed surface for decorative effect and tests have shown that this can cause a considerable reduction in impact strength compared to a plain surface. 

The study on commercial HDPE samples could not provide a correlation of the izod impact test with the field performance test, i.e., drop impact resistance on moulded products [113]. It was found that the sample of highest density and lowest izod impact strength passed the drop impact test, but other samples of lower density and higher izod impact strength could not withstand shock loading by drop impact and failed in brittle manner. This may be due to the fact that velocities and modes of loading vary widely in different impact tests. It has been reported that even the qualitative agreement between the different impact tests is poor because the test bars and moulded products often have different orientation characteristics, particularly near the surface [115]. 

Articles made from polypropylene have good electrical and chemical resistance and low water absorption. Its other useful characteristics are its light weight (lowest thermoplastic polymer density), high abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, high impact strength, and no toxicity. Table 12-3 shows the properties of polypropylene. 

Chemical structure, concentration, size and distribution of the rubber phase as well as adhesion to the matrix determine processing and final properties, specifically the impact strength. In the case of a powder blend, like PVC/rubber-systems, the characteristic powder data have also to be taken into account. 

Figure 4.9 displays examples of modulus retention versus short-term temperature increase. For long-term heat ageing, the retention of properties depends on the property and grades considered, notably the heat stabilizers used. Characteristics such as elongation at break and impact strength are especially heat sensitive. 

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