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Synchrotron radiation study of the relation between structure and strain in polyurethane elastomers
D C Creagh1, P M O'Neill, D J Martin
1FacuIty of Information Science and Engineering, University of Canberra, PO Box 1,Belconnen, ACT2616, Australia.
Journal of Synchrotron Radiation
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Researchers developed a system to study thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) structure under strain. This system uses advanced X-ray diffraction at a synchrotron facility to analyze material changes during mechanical testing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) are advanced materials with tunable properties.
- Understanding the relationship between material structure and applied strain is crucial for optimizing TPU performance.
- Existing methods may lack the resolution or in-situ capabilities for detailed structural analysis under mechanical stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel system for investigating the structure-strain relationship in TPU.
- To utilize synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction for in-situ analysis of TPU under varying loads.
- To correlate structural changes observed via SAXS and WAXS with applied mechanical strain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Australian National Beamline Facility (ANBF) at Photon Factory, KEK.
- Employed a sagittal focusing monochromator on beamline 20B for a high-intensity X-ray beam.
- Integrated a miniature tensometer within a unique vacuum diffractometer (BIGDIFF) for specimen manipulation.
- Used imaging plates to simultaneously record Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) patterns.
- Recorded data during loading and unloading cycles using a ten-plate imaging-plate changer.
Main Results:
- Successfully recorded simultaneous SAXS and WAXS patterns from TPU specimens under specific strain levels.
- Observed distinct changes in SAXS and WAXS patterns corresponding to applied mechanical strain.
- Documented the evolution of structural features during both loading and unloading phases of the experiment.
Conclusions:
- The developed system enables detailed in-situ study of structural evolution in TPU under applied strain.
- Synchrotron X-ray diffraction, particularly with SAXS and WAXS, provides valuable insights into TPU deformation mechanisms.
- This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of structure-property relationships in elastomers.