Dynamice fracture in a semicristalline polymer: an analysis of the fracture surface

The fracture behaviour of a specific material, semi-crystalline biobased polymer, was here studied. Dynamic tests on strip band specimens were carried out. Fracture surfaces observed at different scales by optical and electron microscopy to describe cracking scenarios. Crack initiation, propagation arrest zones described. Three distinct are highlighted in the initiation zone: zone with conical markings, mist hackle zone. mark shows variation size density marks along path. This is synonymous local speed variation. Microcracks origin seem develop from nucleus spherulites. In complex roughness, direction microcracks their planes highly variable. Their directions disturbed heterogeneities material. They branch or bifurcate level zone, developed upstream continue propagate directions. surface created increasingly smoother as energy release rate decreases. It shown that velocity crack varies contrast macroscopic speed.