Polymer Fracture

1 Deformation and Fracture of High Polymers, Definition and Scope of Treatment.- References.- 2 Structure and Deformation.- I. Elements of the Superstructure of Solid Polymers.- II. Deformation.- III. Model Representation of Deformation.- References.- 3 Statistical, Continuum Mechanical, and Rate Process Theories of Fracture.- I. Introduction.- II. Statistical Aspects.- III. Continuum and Fracture Mechanics Approach.- IV. Rate Process Theories of Fracture.- References.- 4 Strength of Primary Bonds.- I. Covalent Bonds.- II. Bond Energies.- III. Form of Binding Potential.- 5 Mechanical Excitation and Scission of a Chain.- I. Stress-Strain Curve of a Singie Chain.- II. Axial Mechanical Excitation of Chains.- III. Deexcitation of Chains.- References.- 6 Identification of ESR Spectra of Mechanically Formed Free Radicals.- I. Formation.- II. EPR Technique.- III. Reactions and Means of Identification.- IV. Assignment of Spectra.- References.- 7 Phenomenology of Free Radical Formation and of Relevant Radical Reactions (Dependence on Strain, Time, and Sample Treatment).- I. Radical Formation in Thermoplastics.- II. Free Radicals in Stressed Rubbers.- III. Mechanically Relevant Radical Reactions.- References.- 8 The Role of Chain Scission in Homogenous Deformation and Fracture.- I. Small-Strain Deformation and Fracture of Highly Oriented Polymers.- II. Deformation, Creep, and Fatigue of Unoriented Polymers.- III. Environmental Degradation.- References.- 9 Molecular Chains in Heterogeneous Fracture.- I. Fracture Mechanics.- II. Crazing.- III. Molecular and Morphological Aspects in Crack Propagation.- References.- Appendix Table A-1. List of Abbrevations of the Most Important Polymers.- Table A-2. List of Abbrevations not Referring to Polymer Names.- Table A-3. List ofSymbols.- Table A-4. Conversion Factors.