Title
Fracture mechanisms in biopolymer films using coupling of mechanical analysis and high speed visualization technique
Author
Paes, S.S.
Yakimets, I.
Wellner, N.
Hill, S.E.
Wilson, R.H.
Mitchell, J.R.
Publication year
2010
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a detailed description of the fracture mechanisms in three different biopolymer thin materials: gelatin, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and cassava starch films. That was achieved by using a combination of fracture mechanics methodology and in situ visualization with high speed imaging technique. By analyzing the unstable and stable crack propagation that occurs in these materials, the brittle to ductile transition induced by water plasticization was assessed and discussed. Each biopolymer material exhibited a distinctive brittle and ductile fracture mode, which were described in this work. In order to evaluate the occurrence of permanent deformation in the proximity of the crack propagation front, FTIR maps with polarized light microscopy were employed, which enabled the visualization of structural homogeneity and cohesivity. The differences in fracture behaviour were interpreted taking into account the structural organization within these materials during stretching. The coupling of mechanical data and advanced visualization techniques was a particularly effective method to describe and interpret the complex fracture mechanisms in biopolymer materials which is strongly affected by their interaction with water molecules. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subject
Mechatronics, Mechanics & Materials
HOL - Holst
TS - Technical Sciences
High Tech Systems & Materials
Materials
Industrial Innovation
Cassava starch
Crack propagation
Gelatin
High speed imaging
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Image analysis
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TNO identifier
464292
ISSN
0014-3057
Source
European Polymer Journal, 46 (12), 2300-2309
Document type
article