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Polymers and Polymer Composites

APPLICATION OF THE ‘THEORY OF MIXTURES’ TO TEMPERATURE – STRESS EQUIVALENCY IN NONLINEAR CREEP OF THERMOPLASTIC/AGRO-FIBRE COMPOSITES

May 1, 2006 By: Pramanick A; Sain M Research article

Title: APPLICATION OF THE ‘THEORY OF MIXTURES’ TO TEMPERATURE – STRESS EQUIVALENCY IN NONLINEAR CREEP OF THERMOPLASTIC/AGRO-FIBRE COMPOSITES
Page Range: p.455-472
Author(s): Pramanick A; Sain M
File size: 390K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 14
Issue No: No. 5

Abstract
A study is made of thermoplastic/agro-fibre composites based on HDPE (40%) and rice husk (60%) in terms of the ability to predict creep. In order to characterise the viscoelasticity of this biocomposite, it was necessary to predict creep by establishing a relationship between deformation, time, temperature and stress. An extended ‘theory of mixtures’ is used to describe creep-related parameters in two-phase materials. The stress- and temperature-related shift factors were estimated in terms of the activation energy of the constituents. The combined effect of temperature and stress on creep strain was accommodated in a single analytical function, where the interaction was shown to be additive. The model is claimed to be unique because it describes creep, not through curve fittings, but in terms of the creep constants of the constituents. This constitutive model is described not only as a vanguard in the prediction of long term creep of many biocomposites, but also in the modelling of creep under step loading of temperature. The impact of humidity was explored for the first time for the creep of agro-based composites. 20 refs.

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