Abstract
Swelling and hygroelasticity of polymers are discussed in terms of a coefficient of hygroelasticity defined here by analogy with the coefficient of thermal expansion. The relationship between the proposed coefficient and the mechanical properties of the material and the stresses which develop in it is established. The relationship provides means for predicting the lifetime of the polymer under conditions similar to those used for measuring the coefficient of hygroelasticity. The experimentally examined behaviors of two systems, polyester‐boiling water and epoxy‐methylene chloride at 18°C, are in reasonable agreement with the predictions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1001-1005 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Polymer Engineering and Science |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 13 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 1978 |