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Introduction
Thermoplasticity is a process by which a materials mechanical properties, such as its strength and flexibility, can be quickly and conveniently modified. It is a type of plastic deformation that occurs in certain materials when subjected to temperature stress. Through this process, the properties of certain materials can be altered and adjusted in order to create specific, desired results in a variety of end-use applications. Thermoplasticity is an important characteristic of many plastics, elastomers, and metallic materials, and its capabilities are widely utilized and studied in a wide range of industries.
Definition
Thermoplasticity refers to a special type of plastic deformation resulting from exposure to elevated temperatures. The temperature-dependent nature of the stress response of materials that are thermoplastic may also refer to them as being temperature-sensitive or temperature-dependent. The elevated temperature levels can be achieved through direct heat or thermal treatments that are applied to the material. The stress is often called active stress and the deformed material is said to exhibit a plastic response.
Types of Thermoplasticity Testing
The study of thermoplasticity can be investigated through several different approaches. These approaches are divided into two categories: destructive and nondestructive testing. The categories are then split into further approaches depending on the level of accuracy desired. This article will focus on the use of destructive testing as a means of studying thermoplasticity, as it allows for a much more accurate and in-depth assessment of material properties.
Destructive Testing
Destructive testing is often the most accurate and informative way to determine the current level of thermoplasticity a material possesses. This testing is often used to assess the suitability of a particular material for a given application. The testing can be performed in a variety of ways, depending on the desired level of accuracy, such as compression testing, flexural testing, and impact testing.
Compression Testing
Compression testing can provide a great deal of insight into the thermoplasticity of a material. This type of testing is performed by applying a compressive force to a sample of the material until failure. The amount of force that the material is able to withstand until failure is then used to assess the thermoplasticity of the material.
Flexural Testing
Flexural testing is similar in concept to compression testing. As the name suggests, flexural testing is performed by applying a bending force to the material. The force is applied until the material fails and its ability to resist bending is then used to assess the materials thermoplasticity.
Impact Testing
Impact testing is used to assess the thermal plasticity of materials by measuring their ability to withstand sudden loading and abrupt changes in material composition. The degree of impact that a material can resist without failure provides an indication of its thermoplasticity.
Conclusion
Thermoplasticity is an important characteristic of many materials and its study is an important part of not only plastics but also elastomers and metallic materials. It is an important concept to understand and the various tests used to assess it can provide a great deal of insight into the thermoplastic properties of a particular material. These tests can be divided into destructive and nondestructive tests and can provide a great deal of insight into the thermal plasticity of a material.
