Multiple-length-scale deformation analysis in a thermoplastic polyurethane

Tan Sui, Nikolaos Baimpas, Igor P. Dolbnya, Cristina Prisacariu and Alexander M. Korsunsky ()
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Tan Sui: University of Oxford
Nikolaos Baimpas: University of Oxford
Igor P. Dolbnya: Diamond Light Source, Harwell Campus
Cristina Prisacariu: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry ‘Petru Poni’, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda
Alexander M. Korsunsky: University of Oxford

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility. These block co-polymers are used here as an example of a structurally inhomogeneous composite containing nano-scale gradients, whose internal strain differs depending on the length scale of consideration. Here we present a combined experimental and modelling approach to the hierarchical characterization of block co-polymer deformation. Synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and radiography are used for strain evaluation across the scales. Transmission electron microscopy image-based finite element modelling and fast Fourier transform analysis are used to develop a multi-phase numerical model that achieves agreement with the combined experimental data using a minimal number of adjustable structural parameters. The results highlight the importance of fuzzy interfaces, that is, regions of nanometre-scale structure and property gradients, in determining the mechanical properties of hierarchical composites across the scales.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7583

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