Structure-microhardness correlation of polymers and blends

摘要

Recent results concerning the microhardness, H, of polymers and blends relating to their structure are reviewed. The basic aspects of the microindentation mechanism are first introduced and the correlation between the microhardness and yield stress is highlighted. The hardness of polymer glasses is discussed and the relationship between H and the glass transition temperature is brought in. The development of structure during isothermal crystallization of glassy polymers as revelaled by microhardenss is highighted and some examples are provided showing the capability of thermal H-analysis in providing evidence about physical transitions near the glass transition temperature, T_g.