Polymers strength-morphology

The Effect of Polymer Surface Morphology on Adhesion and Adhesive Joint Strengths... 

A Strength-Morphology Study of Transparent Two-Phase Polymers... 

Schonhom, Harold, Ryan, Frank W. (1969), "Effect of Polymer Surface Morphology on Adhesion and Adhesive Joint Strength. II. FEP Teflon and Nylon 6", J. Polym. Sci. 7 (Part A-2), 105-111 (Hara, K., Schonhom, H. (1970), "Effect on Wettability of FEP Teflon Surface Morphology", J. Adhesion 2, 100-105. 

Polymers with differing morphologies respond differentiy to fillers (qv) and reinforcements. In crystalline resins, heat distortion temperature (HDT) increases as the aspect ratio and amount of filler and reinforcement are increased. In fact, glass reinforcement can result in the HDT approaching the melting point. Amorphous polymers are much less affected. Addition of fillers, however, intermpts amorphous polymer molecules physical interactions, and certain properties, such as impact strength, are reduced. 

Mention may also be made of an application in which careful control of polymer morphology has led to the production of novel materials. By treatment of solutions of high-density polyethylene, products are obtained with a celluloselike morphology and which are known as, fibrides or synthetic wood pulp. They are used for finishing paper and special boards to impart such features as sealability and improved wet strength. They are also reported to be used for such diverse applications as tile adhesives, thixotropic agents, battery separators and teabags ... 

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