FRACTURE-TOUGHNESS AND FRACTURE MECHANISMS OF PBT PC IM BLEND .2. TOUGHENING MECHANISMS

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques were employed in the morphology and fracture mechanisms studies on a commercial polybutylene terephthalate/polycarbonate/impact modifier (PBT/PC/IM) blend. The fracture mechanisms involved at different temperatures under both impact and static loading were revealed. It was found that massive plastic deformation of the matrix material occurred after rubber particle cavitation; and it was this plastic deformation that was responsible for the drastic enhancement in fracture toughness although the widespread cavitation did absorb a considerable amount of energy as well. The major source of toughness was the same for both impact and static fracture tests, but the toughening processes became effective at a much lower temperature under static than impact conditions. The sequence of toughening events was also observed using TEM.