The deformation mechanism of polyphenylquinoxaline films

The plateau modulus of polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ-E) films has been obtained by from their dynamic mechanical properties curves. Using these data, the entanglement density of PPQ-E films, 2.37 X 10(26) m(-3) Or 0.39mmol/cm(3),has been estimated. The deformation mechanism of polyphenylquinoxaline (crazing mechanism,or shear yielding mechanism, or both), can be predicted according to entanglement density values. The changes in morphology of PPQ-E films during tensile deformation have been observed by Polarized Light Microscope. The result shows that crazing first appears in the tensile process, then shear yielding appears. It needs to point out that the craze is terminated by micro-shear band and the direction of craze in shear band is also changed,which prevents the craze growth into crack and avoid the failure of material. This result is in accordance with the prediction on the basis of the entanglement density data. The morphology and structure of crazes in PPB-E thin film have been determined by TEM. The craze morphology of PPQ-E is mainly fibril craze consisting of micro-fibrils and micro-voids,the interface between bulk and craze is distinct. Multiply crazes, blunting of craze tip and shear deformation zone are also observed. This result reflects the accordance of entanglement density and the morphology and structure of crazes.