pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: Rheology & Advanced Characterization
Poster Presentation
 
 

Effect of Pressure on Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Bek Marko (1)*, Betjes Joris (2), Holeček Nikola (1), Oseli Alen (2), Emri Igor (2)

(1) Gorenje gospodinjski aparati, d.d. - Velenje - Slovenia, (2) Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana - Ljubljana - Slovenia

Polymeric materials are becoming increasingly important in engineering applications where extreme loading conditions are present (high pressure and temperature). An example where polymers are exposed to such extreme conditions are pipelines for offshore deep-water oil excavation, where polymeric materials are used as insulating materials for pipes. Another example, where polymeric materials are exposed to severe pressures are new generation damping elements for noise and vibration reduction. Here we utilize hydrostatic pressure to match the frequency range where material exhibits its maximal energy absorption properties with the frequency range of noise and/or vibrations we want to eliminate. In these applications we need materials which properties are very sensitive to pressure and at the same time have large energy absorption capability. While effect of temperature on mechanical properties of polymeric materials is fairly well understood, much less is known about the effect of pressure. It is important to emphasize that pressure can have enormous effect on the viscoelastic response of polymeric materials. At this point it also needs to be noted that material time-dependent characterization under elevated hydrostatic pressure is very time consuming, and expensive. The goal of this investigation was therefore to measure pressure sensitivity of three different thermoplastic polyurethanes in pressure ranges from 0.1 to 300 MPa.