Fracture Mechanisms of Particulate Filled Polymers

Extensive efforts have been made by scientists and researchers in polymer science tounderstand the mechanism underlying the failure of polymer materials. Complexbehavior of polymeric materials compared to other conventional materials (metals andceramics) makes it difficult to study this behavior. The fracture of polymeric materials,which is classified into brittle or ductile, also depends on the mechanism governing theirfracture. From the material science point of view, the fracture mechanics of polymermaterials discusses the relationships and equations that govern fracture. These relationshipslead to a deeper understanding and obtain the values of stress concentration, criteria, andmodes of fracture and express their relationship to the stress intensity index. However,from the point of view of polymer science, not only the mechanics of fracture, but also themechanisms governing fracture are of great importance. The three mechanisms of cracking,shear yielding and cavitation are described as the mechanisms governing the fracture ofpolymeric materials. Understanding which mechanism governs a polymer piece requires athorough understanding of that piece as well as the operating conditions. In this paper, themechanics of fracture and the mechanisms that govern it are discussed, as well as how totransfer the mechanism to another one.