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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M37417/01
Title: SOLID PHASE PROCESSING OF POLYMERS: STRESS-STRAIN LAWS FOR PROCESS AND PRODUCT PROPERTY PREDICTION
Principal Investigator: Sweeney, Professor J
Other Investigators:
Wood, Professor AS Coates, Professor PD
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Pre Nexus Migration
Department: Mechanical and Medical Engineering
Organisation: University of Bradford
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 January 1999 Ends: 31 December 2000 Value (£): 134,624
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
In solid phase polymer processing, material is subject to large deformations at high temperature. Consequently large-scale molecular orientation takes place which results in enhancement of polymer properties, such as stiffness and toughness. Progress has been made using models of the polymer network to predict the shapes of products formed in this way. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus, yield stress) of the product depend on the strain and temperature histories prevailing during the process. The unique aspect of this project is that the development of these properties forms an integral part of the process model. In order to model the evolution of mechanical properties as the solid product cools to room temperature, a stress-strain law is required which can function under temperature-varying conditions. An experimental programme of stretching and cooling experiments on three classes of polymer will be be undertaken to develop and verify such a law. Its ability to predict mechanical properties of the final product will be of crucial importance and its viability in terms of application in finite element analyses of complex shapes will be explored.
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Organisation Website: http://www.brad.ac.uk