Creep deformation behavior of polymer materials with a 3D random pore structure: Experimental investigation and FEM modeling

This study investigates the creep deformation behavior of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) with a 3D random pore structure. The test sample was a hollow fiber polymeric membrane with sub-micron-sized pores and an open cellular structure, which plays a critical role for water purification. Uniaxial tensile test was carried out for the polymeric membrane and it was found that the membranes underwent elasto-plastic deformation and creep deformation. In order to establish a numerical model, the finite element method (FEM) was employed. Using the Surface Evolver software, a 3D random pore structure was created in the representative volume element (RVE). The established computational model can predict both elastic and plastic deformation. Furthermore, the time–temperature–stress superposition principle (TTSSP) is employed for our FEM model to compute creep deformation. The present model enables the prediction of macroscopic and microscopic deformation behavior of porous materials that have a 3D random pore structure.

Source: Polymer Testing - September 4, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research