A mathematical model for the description of the overall crystallization of polymers has been developed which separates the pure geometric spreading of the semicrystalline superstructures from the increasing crystallinity inside these entities. The model uses the Avrami theory for the geometric part and a freely optional function for the increasing local crystallinity. The two functions are combined by a mathematical procedure called convolution. The free option of the local crystallinity function enables this model to permit calculation of this function, which is not accessible to direct measurement. Thus with given Avrami parameters and measured values of the time-dependent overall crystallinity, this function of the local crystallinity (secondary crystallization function) can be calculated. The model has been applied to test data produced by computer simulations.
The effect of transcrystallinity in carbon fiber reinforced poly(p-phenylene sulfide (PPS) composites on the apparent shear strength was investigated with the single fiber pull-out test. Transcrystalline zones around the reinforcing fibers do not seem to improve the adhesion level significantly. Neighbor fibers hinder the formation of the transcrystalline zone and a ductile fracture behavior can be observed. However, the apparent strength level is slightly higher for composites containing such reinforcing neighbor fibers compared with single fiber composite samples. During annealing a brittle interface can be formed in the multifiber composite yielding a higher level of the apparent shear strength.
An advanced equipment for single-fibre pull-out test designed to monitor the fracture process
(1995)