Analyzing the Mechanical Behavior of Polymer and Composite Materials by Means of Unique Method of Deformation Calorimetry

Results are presented from long-term investigations of a wide range of polymer systems, varying from elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers to plastics and fibers. The thermophysical properties of both initial and modifying additive–containing polysiloxanes, block copolymers, and poleolefins that differ in chemical nature, structure, and composition are analyzed. It is shown that deformation calorimetry allows the simultaneous registration of mechanical (from 5 × 10−3 kg) and thermal effects (at a sensitivity of 2 × 10‒7 J/s), and the determination of changes in enthalpy, internal energy, and intra- and intermolecular contributions to the formation of the tensile stress response. In other words, it provides a unique opportunity to analyze the deformation mechanism of investigated systems and its dependence on the changing parameters.