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Updated: May 24, 2026

Cooling Rate Dependent Ellipsometry Measurements to Determine the Dynamics of Thin Glassy Films
Published on: January 26, 2016
Simple model for the deformation-induced relaxation of glassy polymers
S M Fielding1, R G Larson, M E Cates
1Department of Physics, Durham University, Science Laboratories, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Glassy polymers show "strain hardening": at constant extensional load, their flow first accelerates, then arrests. Recent experiments have found this to be accompanied by a striking and unexplained dip in the segmental relaxation time. Here we explain such behavior by combining a minimal model of flow-induced liquefaction of a glass with a description of the stress carried by strained polymers, creating a nonfactorable interplay between aging and strain-induced rejuvenation. Under constant load, liquefaction of segmental motion permits strong flow that creates polymer-borne stress. This slows the deformation enough for the segmental modes to revitrify, causing strain hardening.
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