In this paper, a thermodynamic analysis of Bouc-Wen models endowed with both strength and stiffness degradation is provided. It is based on the relationship between the flow rules of these models and those of the endochronic plasticity theory with damage, discussed in a companion paper (Erlicher and Point, 2007). Using the theoretical framework of that extended endochronic theory, it is shown t...

Red pottery clay (RPC) was modified using a silane coupling agent, and the modified RPC (mRPC) was then used to enhance the performance of high-density polyethylene-based wood-plastic composites. The effect of the mRPC content on the performances of the composites was investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential mechanical analysis (DMA) and ultraviolet (UV)-accele...

1. Proteoglycan was obtained from bovine nasal cartilage by a procedure involving sequential extraction with a low-ionic-strength KCl solution, then a high-ionic-strength CaCl2 solution. Purification was by CsCl-density-gradient centrifugation. 2. The CaCl2- extracted proteoglycan was subjected to proteolytic degradation by papain, trypsin, cathepsin D, cathepsin B, lysosomal elastase or cathep...