Fracture Evaluation of a Thermoplastic Polyimidesulfone as Adhesive

Abstract

An experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the fracture strength of a thermoplastic polyimidesulfone as adhesive. This study involved the measurement of critical fracture energy, G _IC, as a function of its molecular weight and temperature. The molecular weight was varied by endcapping with phthalic anhydride. The double cantilever beam specimens consisting of two bonded titanium adherends (Ti-6A1-4V) were tested. There was a considerable loss of fracture energy as molecular weight decreased beyond a certain value. Furthermore, the fracture energy decreased with increasing temperature.