The influence of thermal history strain rate and sample geometry on the deformation behaviour of polymers: Use of the thermovision technique

Abstract

In this study we investigated the influence of thermal history, strain rate and sample geometry on the deformation behaviour of polymers. The investigation relies on observing the polymer surface temperature profile during the deformation process. Uniaxial tensile deformation was produced in polypropylene and high-density polyethylene at 95 degrees C or 110 degrees C over the strain rate range 0.167 l/s to 1.67 l/s. Polymer surface temperature profiles were recorded using the thermovision technique. The results showed that the temperature profile varied with changes in thermal history, strain rate and sample geometry. Furthermore, the study emphasized the effectiveness of the thermovision technique for off- and on-line data acquisition during polymer deformation processes.