Electrokinetic and direct force measurements used to describe the influence of the surrounding medium on the crack propagation in polymers

Sponsor:
German Research Foundation (DFG)

Contact Person:
Dr. Astrid Drechsler

Duration:
2000-2004

Abstract:
The forces between polymer surfaces and polymer or silica particles were measured in electrolyte solutions. The force-distance curves were modeled and interpreted in terms of van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Good agreement of the calculated surface potentials with the results of zeta potential measurements was obtained. The data were used for modelling the crack propagation in polymeric materials.