Tensile Creep Behavior of Medium-Density Polyethylene

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of stress and temperature on the viscous behavior of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE). The creep properties of pure MDPE using film specimens were studied under the static loading range 15–55 MPa by a thermomechanical analyzer at room temperature and elevated temperature (30°C, 60°C, and 90°C). Viscoelastic properties were derived from experimentally measured creep data, including isochronous stress–strain diagram, creep modulus, and creep rate charts with the influence of stress and temperature. In addition, the effect of creep strain and viscous flow on MDPE structure was investigated by a thermogravimetry analyzer. The results of this study showed that the linear viscoelastic behavior of MDPE changes with stress and temperature, and any reduction of polymer chains and structure revolution under the tensile creep test were not shown.