Fracture studies on a polyacetal—new thermoplastic polyurethane blend

Studies based on fracture mechanics have been made on polyacetal toughened with a synthesized thermoplastic polyurethane. The effects of elongation rate and defects like holes and notches on tensile properties have been investigated. Using three‐point bending specimens, fracture mechanics parameters such as strain energy release rate, G, Rice's contour integral, J, and fracture toughness, K have also been determined under plain stress conditions. The mechanical loss from the hysteresis curves, and ductile, brittle fractography using scanning electron microscopy have also been studied. Copyright © 1992 Society of Plastics Engineers