Mechanical characterization
Tensile test was conducted according to ASTM D 638 using Instron
3366 machine, UK at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The fracture
toughness measurement was carried out according to the principles of
linear elastic fracturemechanics on single-edge notched tensile samples
at a testing speed of 10 mm/min. The dimension of the sample is 60mm
× 20 mm × 3 mm (length × width × thickness) with the crack lengthto-
width ratio (a/W ratio) of 0.4. Further details have been reported
elsewhere