Hierarchical Heterogeneity and Stress Distribution in Polymer Network Systems by Spatio-Temporal Mapping Analysis

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H02780
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 35020:Polymer materials-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Shundo Atsuomi 九州大学, 工学研究院, 准教授 (40585915)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 高分子 / ナノレオロジー / 動的不均一性 / 応力集中

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To visualize a density fluctuation and a spatial heterogeneity, thermal motion of the probe particles dispersed in polymer liquid and solution has been analyzed. As a result, they were spatially heterogeneous in terms of the physical properties when the observation time scale was shorter than relaxation time. Also, the network formation process was accompanied by the changes in the extent and the length scale of the heterogeneity. Such a change in the heterogeneity was related to the stress distribution. thereby toughness and fracture behavior of the resultant materials.

Free Research Field

高分子科学、超分子化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

高分子ネットワークは樹脂やゴム、ゲル等の様々な材料にみられる構造であり、シーリング材、接着剤、構造材料等として広く用いられている。安全性や信頼性の確保・向上に向けて、材料の靭性や寿命の予測・制御が強く求められているが、それには至っていないのが現状である。本研究で得られた不均一性と応力分布、延性・破壊挙動に関する科学的知見は、力学特性や破壊挙動の制御、寿命予測に資するものと期待される。