Thermo-Mechanical Regulation of Residual Stresses in Polymers and Polymer Composites

Abstract

Manufacturing processes of polymer and polymer composite products are inevitably linked with buildup of residual stresses which, as a rule, adversely affects the product performance. Mainly used annealing and suitable curing regime may decrease these disapproving effects. Methods of residual stress control in hardened articles using dependence of polymer visco-elastic properties on temperature are considered and some basic features of their efficient application are established. The methods are successfully applied (a) to increase the first crack strain in crossply composite, (b) to enhance "weepage" pressure in glassfiber reinforced polymer pipes and (c) to reduce a central hole influence on ultimate tensile strength in standard polystyrene specimens.