Effects Of Molecular Structure On Macroscopic Mechanical Properties Of An Advanced Polymer (larc^tm-Si)

Mechanical testing of an advanced polymer resin with known variations in molecular weight was performed over a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The elastic properties, inelastic elongation behavior, and notched tensile strength all as a function of molecular weight and test temperature were determined. It was shown that notched tensile strength is a strong function of both temperature and molecular weight, whereas stiffness is only a strong function of temperature. Introduction Modern tendencies in the design and production of advanced structural materials strive for optimal mechanical properties with a minimum of weight. State-of-the-art polyimides in conjunction with reinforcing components such as graphite fibers create novel polymer matrix composites (PMC's). In airframe structure, these PMC's can give up to 40% weight savings, along with a reduction in the number of parts (1). Failure or degradation of performance in PMC's is usually associated with ..