Understanding the Relationship between Polymer Structure and Creep Deformation/Failure by Multiscale Analysis

2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K14617
• Research Institution: National Institute for Materials Science
• Principal Investigator: タンクス ジョナサンデビッド 国立研究開発法人物質・材料研究機構, 構造材料研究拠点, 研究員 (50850947)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Polymers / Creep Properties / Multiscale Analysis

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Nanomechanical studies on polymeric nanocomposites are in-progress. Delays due to maintenance of the nanoindentation equipment occurred often, but the project schedule has been adjusted accordingly. A new probe will be purchased in FY2022 to improve nano-viscoelastic measurements.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Despite a slow start in FY2020, significant progress in the experimental aspects of this study was made in FY2021. A nanoindentation apparatus is the main equipment used, as well as a in-house designed creep testing machine; these devices required significant maintenance which caused several months of delays. However, data collection is going smoothly, and various micro-/nano-composite materials have been successfully synthesized for analysis. FY2022 will focus on the theoretical analysis to accompany experimental results.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

FY2022 will focus on theoretical analysis of the time-dependent mechanics of polymeric micro-/nano-composite materials. In particular, the relationship between crystallinity (in semi-crystalline polymers) and creep deformation will be explored theoretically, and supported by various experimental data (XRD, DSC, Raman). The final results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.