The Statistical Nature of Strength and Lifetime in Polymer Films and Fibers

This monograph is an updated and extended edition of Strength and Fracture of Polymer Films, which was published in Russian in 1999. It presents the results of long-term theoretical and experimental studies of brittle and quasi-brittle fracture of solid polymers. The principal results of a comprehensive and detailed investigation of the statistical features of fracture of polymers and other solids under the conditions of separate and complex action various factors (temperature, mechanical stresses, surface-active media, UV irradiation, gamma-irradiation, chemical admixtures, thermal modification, orientational drawing, etc.) are given. One of the most interesting and key results of this study concerns the finding of the two principal strength states: low-strength state (bulk samples) and high-strength state (thin films and fibers) as well as establishing a detailed distinction between the modes of their fracture. This monograph will be of interest to anyone working in the field of polymer films and fibers.