Plastic deformation argon theory

The plastic deformation in several amine and anhydride cured epoxy resins has been studied. The experimental results have been reasonably interpreted by the Argon theory. The molecular parameters determined from the data based on the theory reflect the different molecular structures of the resins studied. However, these parameters are in similar enough range to also show the structural similarity in these DGEBA based systems. In general, the mechanisms of plastic deformation in epoxy resins below T are essentially identical to those in amorphouE thermoplastics. The yield stress level being related to the modulus that controls the intermolecular energy due to molecular deformation will, however, be affected by the crosslinks in the thermosets. 

Argon, A. S. and Bessonov, M. I. (1977) Plastic deformation in polyimides with new implications on the theory of plastic flow of glassy polymers, Phil. Mag., 35, 917-933. 

Argon, A.S. (1963) A theory for the low-temperature plastic deformation of glassy polymers. Philosophical Magazine, 28, 839-865. 

Figure 12.28 Plastic strain increment by formation of a pair of kinks in a polymer molecule. (Redrawn from Argon, A.S. (1973) A theory for the low-temperature plastic deformation of glassy polymers. Phil. Mag., 28, 839. Copyright (1973) Taylor and Francis.)...

Attempts have been made in the past to explain the plasticity of glassy polymers based on different theories (a review of which can be found in (1)). Most of the earlier approaches are based on models non-specific about the molecular deformation process. The theory by Argon... 

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