Property assessment
Dynamic mechanical thermal analytic (DMTA) spectra
of the films were recorded by an Eplexor 25N
device (Gabo Qualimeter, Ahlden, Germany) in tension
mode at 10 Hz frequency. The complex elastic
modulus, its constituents (viz. storage, E, and loss
parts, E ), along with the mechanical loss factor (tan ),
were determined as a function of the temperature (T
100°C . . . 60°C). The static and dynamic tensile
loads applied were 2 and
1N, respectively, and the
heating rate was set to 2°C/min.
Tensile tests, to determine the ultimate properties
(strength, elongation), along with the moduli at selected
elongations were performed at room temperature
(RT) on dumbbells according to ASTM D412 by
using a 500 mm/min crosshead speed. The tear
strength at RT was determined according to ASTM
D624 by using crescent-shaped specimens at a crosshead
speed of 500 mm/min. The tensile and tear properties
were determined also after heat aging (storage
for 7 days at 70°C).