Filtry
wszystkich: 419
wybranych: 386
Wyniki wyszukiwania dla: thermoplastic polyurethanes
-
Ciprofloxacin – Modified Degradable Hybrid Polyurethane-Polylactide Porous Scaffolds Developed for Potential Use as an Antibacterial Scaffold for Regeneration of Skin
Publikacja -
Porosity and swelling properties of novel polyurethane–ascorbic acid scaffolds prepared by different procedures for potential use in bone tissue engineering
PublikacjaIn this work, a novel polyurethane (PU) system based on poly(ethylene-butylene) adipate diol, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-butanediol, and ascorbic acid was used to prepare scaffolds with potential applications in bone tissue engineering. Two fabrication methods to obtain porous materials were chosen: phase separation (PS)/salt particle leaching (PL) and solvent casting (SC)/salt PL. The calculated porosity demonstrated...
-
Rheological characteristics of oligomeric semiproducts gained via chemical degradation of polyurethane foam using crude glycerin in the presence of different catalysts
PublikacjaPolyurethane (PU) recycling is a topic of growing interest due to the increasing amount of polyurethane waste. The main purpose of polyurethane chemical recycling is to recover the starting polyol. In this study, a method of polyurethane thermochemical recycling, glycerolysis by means of crude glycerin, is proposed. This work presents a comparative study of commercial catalysts used in order to accelerate the decomposition process,...
-
Progress in non-isocyanate polyurethanes synthesized from cyclic carbonate intermediates and di- or polyamines in the context of structure–properties relationship and from an environmental point of view
PublikacjaCommercially, polyurethanes are produced by the reaction of diisocyanates, polyols (polyester or polyether) and low molecular weight chain extender. Toxicity, moisture sensitivity and phosgene-based synthesis of diisocyanates resulted in investigations focused on obtaining the non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). This work presents the review of synthesis and structure–properties relationship of non-isocyanate polyurethanes obtained...
-
Composite Polyurethane-Polylactide (PUR/PLA) Flexible Filaments for 3D Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) of Antibacterial Wound Dressings for Skin Regeneration
Publikacjahis paper addresses the potential application of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) compositions as a material for the production of antibacterial wound dressings using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing method. On the market, there are medical-grade polyurethane filaments available, but few of them have properties required for the fabrication of wound dressings, such as flexibility...
-
Towards sustainable catalyst-free biomass-based polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC): From valorization and liquefaction to future generation of biocomposites
PublikacjaA substantial aspect of materials engineering lies in the responsible process of designing polymer-based materials. Due to environmental pollution, excessive consumption of natural resources, and increasing environmental awareness of society, there is a massive need for polyurethane (PU) materials with reduced environmental impact. To date, research on catalyst-free polyurethane-wood composites (PU-WC) has demonstrated a huge potential...
-
The impact of filler thermomechanical modifications on static and dynamic mechanical performance of flexible foamed polyurethane/ground tire rubber/zinc borate composites
PublikacjaThe rapid development of the automotive industry is very beneficial to many aspects of human life, but it is also a very significant environmental burden. The most straightforward impact is related to the generation of exhaust, but the management of post-consumer car parts is also a major challenge. Among them, waste tires are very burdensome due to their enormous numbers. Therefore, it is essential to develop novel, environmentally...
-
Comprehensive Enhancement of Prepolymer-Based Flexible Polyurethane Foams’ Performance by Introduction of Cost-Effective Waste-Based Ground Tire Rubber Particles
PublikacjaMaterial innovations in polyurethane (PU) foams should ideally combine performance enhancement, environmental impact limitation, and cost reduction. These goals can be achieved by applying recycled or waste-based materials without broader industrial applications, implicating their low price. Herein, from 5 to 20 parts by weight of ground tire rubber (GTR) particles originated from the recycling of postconsumer car tires were incorporated...
-
Micro-Raman spectroscopy in the studies of multiphase separated polyurethanes. [online] W: [Proc.] UTECH Europe 2003 . The International Polyurethane Industry Conference and Exhibition. 25/26/27 March 2003, The Hague, Netherlands. London: Crain Communications Ltd. Dostępny w World Wide Web: http://UTECH-2003.com + wydruk.**2003 [s. 123-130 bibliogr. 41 poz.]Mikro-Ramanowska spektroskopia w badaniach poliuretanów wykazujących separację wielofazową.
PublikacjaPrzedmiotem badań były trzy próbki poliuretanowe o zawartości 30% segmentówsztywnych otrzymanych z politlenku propylenu, diizocyjanianu difenylometanui butanodiolu. Próbki te wykazują morfologię wielofazową, w której można wy-różnić globule i sferolity rozproszone w matrycy polimerowej.Za pomocą spek-troskopii mikro-Ramana przeprowadzono mikroanalizę chemiczną wszystkich ele-mentów morfologicznych. Stwierdzono odmienny skład...
-
Poliuretany do zastosowań w medycynie na bazie poli(ε-aprolaktonodiolu) oraz poliglikolu etylenowego. Poly(ε-caprolactonediol) and polyethylene glycol-based polyurethanes for medical applications
PublikacjaOmówiono sposoby otrzymywania poliuretanów do zastosowań medycznych. W wyniku modyfikacji znanej metody prepolimerowej syntezy otrzymano dwie serii nowych poliuretanów różniących się składem chemicznym, dlaktórych przygotowano pełne charakterystyki właściwości. Wykazano, że wprowadzenie poliglikolu etylenowego do struktury poliestouretanówotrzymanych na bazie polikaprolaktonu znacząco poprawia powinowactwo materiałów do wody, zwiększa...
-
Preparation, characterization, and manufacturing of new polymeric materials for 3D printing for medical applications
PublikacjaThis work concerns the synthesis, formation, and characteristics of new filaments for 3D printing in FDM™/FFF technology for medical purposes. Two types of filaments were developed, i.e. degradable polyurethane and biodegradable polylactide-starch. The influence of the 3D printing process on selected filament properties was investigated. A detailed analysis of the filament formation process by the extrusion method was carried out,...
-
Bio polyetherurethane composites with high content of natural ingredients: hydroxylated soybean oil based polyol, bio glycol and microcrystalline cellulose
PublikacjaIn our study, we focused on obtaining bio-polyurethane composites using bio-components such as bio glycol, modified natural oil-based polyol, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The pre-polymer method was used to prepare the bio polyurethane matrix. Prepolymer was synthesized using 4,4’-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and a polyol mixture containing 50 wt.% of commercial polyether and 50 wt.% of hydroxylated soybean oil (H3)....
-
Novel Biomass-Based Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application
PublikacjaA wide range of polymers were prepared from biomass-derivatives, using different polymerization mechanisms. Well-defined, fully hydroxy-functional polyesters based on aliphatic diols were synthesized, using either conventional metal-based catalysts or the organic superbase 1,5,7-triazabicyclododecene (TBD). Unsaturated polyesters were also made, offering additional functionality to these biobased resins. Metal-catalyzed or enzymatic...
-
Influence of Surface-Modified Montmorillonite Clays on the Properties of Elastomeric Thin Layer Nanocomposites
PublikacjaIn recent years, polyurethane nanocomposites have attracted more attention due to the massive demand for materials with increasingly exceptional mechanical, optical, electrical, and thermal properties. As nanofillers have a high surface area, the interaction between the nanofiller and the polymer matrix is an essential issue for these materials. The main aim of this study is to validate the impact of the montmorillonite nanofiller...
-
Timber Frame Houses with Different Insulation Materials - Seismic Analysis
PublikacjaThe aim of this article is to present results of a dynamic numerical analysis focused on the response of two timber frame building structures exposed to seismic excitations. The first structure was insulated with mineral wool, while the second one with polyurethane foam. Specifications and technology involved in the models' construction are based on the previously conducted experimental study, upon which numerical structural models...
-
One More Step Towards a Circular Economy for Thermal Insulation Materials—Development of Composites Highly Filled with Waste Polyurethane (PU) Foam for Potential Use in the Building Industry
PublikacjaThe rapid development of the building sector has created increased demand for novel materials and technologies, while on the other hand resulting in the generation of a severe amount of waste materials. Among these are polyurethane (PU) foams, which are commonly applied as thermal insulation materials. Their management is a serious industrial problem, due to, for example, their complex chemical composition. Although some chemical...
-
Influence of chemical structure on physicochemical properties and thermal decomposition of the fully bio-based poly(propylene succinate-co-butylene succinate)s
PublikacjaIn this work, two polyesters and four copolyesters were studied. All materials were synthesized to obtain the monomers dedicated for thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers. For this type of PUR, the monomers should characterize by appropriate selected physicochemical properties and macromolecular structure distribution, which depends on synthesis conditions. The study of chemical structure with extensive and knowledgeable analysis...
-
Fabrication and Characterization of Flexible Medical-Grade TPU Filament for Fused Deposition Modeling 3DP Technology
PublikacjaThe possibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) in the medicine area has created new opportunities in health care. This has contributed to a sharp increase in demand for 3D printers, their systems and materials that are adapted to strict medical requirements. We described herein a medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (S-TPU) which was developed and then formed into a filament for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers...
-
Challenges and recent advances in bio-based isocyanate production.
PublikacjaPolyurethanes (PUs) are key players in the plastics industry. According to the Global Polyurethane Market (2019–2023), their value in the global market reached $95.13 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12%. This is in line with the increase in the number of research papers and patents on the synthesis and application of petroleum-based PUs (P-PUs) and biomass or green PUs (G-PUs) (from 67 657...
-
Crystallization kinetics study of dynamically vulcanized PA6/NBR/HNTs nanocomposites by nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry
PublikacjaInvestigation of crystallization behavior and kinetics of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites was the subject of limited works because of complexities associated with semiexperimental modeling of such phenomenon in a system containing components having completely different behavior in the molten state. Nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of dynamically vulcanized PA6/NBR/HNTs thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites was mathematically...
-
Green TPUs from Prepolymer Mixtures Designed by Controlling the Chemical Structure of Flexible Segments
PublikacjaThis study concerns green thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) obtained by controlling the chemical structure of flexible segments. Two types of bio-based polyether polyols—poly(trimethylene glycol)s—with average molecular weights ca. 1000 and 2700 Da were used (PO3G1000 and PO3G2700, respectively). TPUs were prepared via a two-step method. Hard segments consisted of 4,4?- diphenylmethane diisocyanates and the bio-based 1,4-butanodiol...
-
Processing of Polyester-Urethane Filament and Characterization of FFF 3D Printed Elastic Porous Structures with Potential in Cancellous Bone Tissue Engineering
PublikacjaThis paper addresses the potential of self-made polyester-urethane filament as a candidate for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)-based 3D printing (3DP) in medical applications. Since the industry does not provide many ready-made solutions of medical-grade polyurethane filaments, we undertook research aimed at presenting the process of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament formation, detailed characteristics, and 3DP of specially...
-
Biopolyols obtained via crude glycerol-based liquefaction of cellulose: their structural, rheological and thermal characterization
PublikacjaIn this work lignocellulose biomass liquefaction was used to produce biopolyols suitable for the manufacturing of rigid polyurethane foams. In order to better evaluate the mechanism of the process, pure cellulose was applied as a raw material. The effect of time and temperature on the effectiveness of liquefaction and the parameters of resulting biopolyols were characterized. The prepared materials were analyzed in terms of their...
-
Use of response surface methodology in characterization of properties of recycled high density polyethylene/ground tire rubber compositions
PublikacjaSearching for newways to utilize rubber and polymerwaste has been the focus of many studies conducted by research centers and companies worldwide. In this study, the influence of extrusion conditions on the properties of thermoplastic compositions containing post-production recycled high density polyethylene (PE-HD) and ground tire rubber (GTR) at 50:50 mass ratiowas examined. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to determine...
-
Interfacially modified LDPE/GTR composites with non-polar elastomers: From microstructure to macro-behavior
PublikacjaThis paper provides some new insights into the mechanism of interaction and modifications in thermoplastic composites based on low density polyethylene (LDPE), ground tire rubber (GTR) and non-polar elastomer. The composites were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder at variable LDPE/GTR ratio and constant elastomer content. Two types of commercial elastomer were applied: styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers (Kraton®)...
-
Bio‐polyols synthesized by liquefaction of cellulose: Influence of liquefaction solvent molecular weight
PublikacjaCurrently, the plastics industry including polyurethanes is based on the use of petrochemicals. For this reason, scientists are looking for new types of renewable resources for the substitution of petrochemical substances. This work aims to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycols (PEG) with different molecular mass impact on properties of bio-based polyols synthesized via biomass liquefaction of cellulose. To date, research...
-
Termooksydacyjna i fotooksydacyjna degradacja pianek poliuretanowych
PublikacjaPrzeprowadzono ocenę efektywności działania wybranych środków przeciwstarzeniowych w sztywnych piankach poliuretanowych, otrzymywanych na drodze syntezy jednoetapowej. Ocenę tę oparto na pomia-rach zmian barwy oraz wytrzymałości mechanicznej zsyntezowanych materiałów. Na podstawie analizy uzyskanych wyników stwierdzono, iż dodatek 3% mieszaniny I rzędowego antyutleniacza fenolowego oraz benzotriazolowego absorbera UV znacząco zmniejsza...
-
Effect of Compounding Conditions on Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of High Density Polyethylene/Ground Tire Rubber Blends
PublikacjaSearching for new and cost-effective methods of waste rubber recycling is a subject of research in many scientific centers in the world. In this paper there are presented results of the research of the extrusion process of cheap and environmentally friendly thermoplastic compositions containing 50 % wt. of masses of ground tire rubber (GTR). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the mixing conditions and...
-
Morphology and mechanical properties of polyamide/clay nanocomposites toughened with NBR/NBR-g-GMA: A comparative study
PublikacjaThis work highlights the importance of nanoclay dispersion state in the nanocomposites containing polyamide 6 (PA6), nanoclay and elastomers as well as clay localization at the interface of thermoplastic/elastomer. Morphology and mechanical properties of a series of nanocomposites containing acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), glycidyl methacrylate-grafted NBR (NBR-g-GMA), and combined NBR/NBR-g-GMA were compared and discussed...
-
The selected roof covering technologies in the aspect of their life cycle costs
PublikacjaIn the article is presented an analysis of the life cycle costs calculation for selected roof coverings. The scope of research includes costs of construction, maintenance and demolition of the roof covering structure for two alternative technologies – the traditional and new generation. On the presented example of an industrial building with a roof area of 1000 m², the above costs are taken to consideration for the roof covering...
-
Characterization and properties of LDPE/(ground tire rubber)/crosslinked butyl rubber blends
PublikacjaIn recent years, interest in used rubber recycling, mainly focusing on the utilization of end-of-life tires, has heightened. This interest, is owing to the activities related to environmental protection and economic factors, which both stimulate companies to reuse the high-quality rubber present in ground rubber scrap. In this study, the application of crosslinked butyl rubber in thermoplastic compositions of low-density polyethylene...
-
Assessment of microstructure, physical and thermal properties of bitumen modified with LDPE/GTR/elastomer ternary blends
PublikacjaLDPE/GTR/elastomer ternary blends with variable LDPE/GTR ratio and constant elastomer content were prepared via melt-compounding. Obtained LDPE/GTR/elastomer blends were applied as thermoplastic modifiers into bitumen. Microstructure, physical and thermal properties of the modified bitumen were determined. It was observed that chemical composition of LDPE/GTR/elastomer blends has significant influence on their density and rheological...
-
Wpływ termoplastycznych kompozycji napełnianych miałem gumowym na wybrane właściwości asfaltu drogowego
PublikacjaDynamiczny rozwój transportu samochodowego zmusza do wykonywania nawierzchni drogowych z materiałów o wysokiej wytrzymałości oraz odporności na odkształcenia trwałe, co znacznie wydłuża żywotność nawierzchni. Polskie przedsiębiorstwo BISEK Sp. z o.o. z Wrocławia we współpracy z Politechniką Wrocławską, jako pierwsze wykorzystało miał gumowy do modyfikacji asfaltów metodą mokrą. W chwili obecnej firma Lotos Asfalt Sp. z o.o. wprowadziła...
-
Experimental Study on Dynamics of Wooden House Wall Panels with Different Thermal Isolation
PublikacjaWood frame buildings are very popular in regions that are exposed to different dynamic excitations including earthquakes. Therefore, their seismic resistance is really important in order to prevent structural damages and human losses. The aim of the present paper is to show the results of experimental tests focused on the dynamic response of wall panels of a wooden frame building with thermal isolation made of mineral wool and...
-
Synthesis, structure and properties of novel poly(hydroxyurethane)s obtained by non-isocyanate route
PublikacjaNon-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) can be synthesized by polyaddition of five-membered bis(cyclic carbonate)s and primary diamines. NIPUs are an alternative for the commonly used (in the form of foams, elastomers, coatings or fibers) in the industry polyurethanes obtained using toxic and moisture sensitive diisocyanates, polyols and low-molecular weight chain extenders. The main aim of this work was to synthesize non-isocyanate...
-
Mechanical Recycling via Regrinding, Rebonding, Adhesive Pressing, and Molding
PublikacjaIncreasing amount of polyurethane foams waste (e.g. from the building or furniture industry) produced every year resulted in the intensive development of their recycling methods. This chapter covers most important mechanical recycling methods, i.e. regrinding, rebonding, adhesive pressing, and molding. The procedure, required equipment and chemicals (if needed) for each method were described. The possible applications of the products...
-
Synteza, struktura chemiczna i właściwości bezizocyjanianowych poliuretanów otrzymywanych z wykorzystaniem CO2 oraz surowców pochodzenia naturalnego.
PublikacjaZ uwagi na wciąż rosnącą świadomość proekologiczną, politykę zrównoważonego rozwoju, a także nurt zielonej chemii wiodącym trendem w przemyśle tworzyw sztucznych jest poszukiwanie alternatywnych metod otrzymywania materiałów polimerowych. Komercyjnie poliuretany otrzymywane są w wyniku reakcji poliaddycji di- lub poliizocyjanianów z poliolami i małocząsteczkowymi przedłużaczami łańcucha. Z uwagi na niekorzystne właściwości diizocyjanianów,...
-
Effect of slightly crosslinked butyl rubber and compatibilizer additives on properties of recycled polyethylene-ground tire rubber blends
PublikacjaSlightly crosslinked butyl rubber, (PhMe2CO)(2) and maleic anhydride were added as compatibilizer to the recycled polyethylene-ground tire rubber blends. Recycled postprodn. and postconsumer (shredded bottle caps) polyethylene wastes were used. The thermoplastic compns. were studied for statistic and dynamic mech. properties and morphol. The addn. of butyl rubber resulted in a decrease of the tensile strength and hardness of the...
-
Degradation of Polycaptolactone Modified with TPS or CaCO3 in Biotic/Abiotic Sewater
PublikacjaThe polymer degradation process in two types of water sourced from the Baltic Sea was investigated. Polycaprolactone modified with thermoplastic starch(PCL/TPS>85%) or calcium carbonate (60% PCL/40% CaCO3)and PCL alone were incubated for 28 weeks in sea water with and without microrganisms. The experimental results indicated that in each of the experiments degradation occured. The process was more effective in sea water with microorganisms.Modification...
-
Auxetic foams
PublikacjaThis paper presents a method of producing auxetic polyurethane foams (PUFs) and their unique properties. The experience was based on a synthesis of traditional flexible polyurethane foam and thermal conversion to auxetic foam. The foam specimens were transformed from conventional Poisson's ratio to auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) [1]. Basic research was performed to determine the mechanical properties and cell structure. Auxetic...
-
Degradation of modified TPS in natural and industrial compost
PublikacjaThe aim of the study was to determine in the pilot studies the degree of decomposition of modified by us thermoplasic starch (potato starch).Commercial and new obtained by us foils were tested in an open roofing at normal weather conditions. The most visible changes were observed in TPS modified by epoxidized soybean oil and arabic gum contrary to commercial foils where there was no mass change observed.
-
Developing Materials for Biodegradable Otolaryngological Stents
PublikacjaMaterials for otolaryngological stents have to be characterized by good tensile strength, wear resistance, biocompatibility, and specific degradation time. This work aimed to synthesize polyurethanes based on various biodegradable polyol blends. Their biodegradability and mechanical properties were tested and compared to commercial BIOFLEX material.
-
MODAL ANALYSIS OF REAL TIMBER FRAME HOUSES WITH DIFFERENT INSULATION MATERIALS
PublikacjaThe aim of this article is to present the results of a numerical modal analysis of two actual structures of timber frame buildings and the different behaviour due to the used insulation material. One model of the timber structure was filled with mineral wool, while the other with polyurethane foam. During the modal analysis, eigenvalues for both models have been determined. The results of the analysis clearly show the increase...
-
Experimentation, material modelling and simulation of bonded joints with a flexible adhesive
PublikacjaThe paper deals with material parameters identification of a flexible adhesive and the numerical simulation of its behaviour in a single lap bonded joint. The material modelling was based on the simple shear and tensile-shear laboratory tests of the bonded joints made of thin aluminium and polyurethane plates with the flexible adhesive Terostat MS 9360 manufactured by Henkel AG & Co. The adhesive was considered as a hyperelastic...
-
Biopolyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin: structure, rheological, physical and thermal properties
PublikacjaThe present study examined the application of polyols obtained via microwave-assisted liquefaction of lignin in the production of rigid polyurethane foam. Lignin was liquefed in crude glycerol and 1,4-butanediol at diferent temperatures (130–170 °C), without a catalyst and using various biomass concentrations (15 and 30 wt%). The physicochemical properties, process yield, and FTIR-based identifcation of the obtained polyols were...
-
Prediction of the fatigue lifetime of PUR structural elements using a combined experimental-numerical approach
PublikacjaThis paper presents a method for estimating the fatigue life of polyurethane elastomeric components. A rubber replacement - polyurethane of hardness 80ShA commonly used in vibration damping systems, for example, in motor vehicle suspensions, was used for the study. A metal-rubber bushing component was selected for analysis, and numerical analysis was carried out along with a fatigue model proposal based on a modification of the...
-
Comparison of the Efficiency of Hetero- and Homogeneous Catalysts in Cellulose Liquefaction
PublikacjaBiomass liquefaction is a well-known and extensively described process. Hydrothermal processes are well understood and can be used in the fuel industry. The use of organic solvents can result in full-fledged products for use in the synthesis of polyurethanes. The plastics industry, including polyurethanes, is targeting new, more environmentally friendly solutions. One of these is the replacement of petrochemical polyols with compounds...
-
Proposal of New Starch-Blends Composition Quickly Degradable in Marine Environment
PublikacjaThe aim of this paper was to obtain a quickly degradable in seawater polymer blend as an alternative proposal for classical polymer packaging. For preliminary studies: poly(lactic acid) (PLA), starch, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), gelatin and glycerol were chosen. PLA was pointed out due to its biodegradability and comparable properties to polyethylene or polypropylene. Whereas starch was chosen as abundant, renewable and cheap polymer...
-
Synthesis, structure and properties of poly(ester-urethane)s obtained using bio-based and petrochemical1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol
PublikacjaIn this paper, the poly(ester-urethane)s obtained using petrochemical and bio-based chain extenders were prepared and characterized. The influence of glycols’ origin on the chemical structure, mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared polyurethanes was studied. The materials were synthesised by prepolymer method. The first step involved the reaction of α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate (POLIOS 55/20) with 4,4’-diphenylmethane...
-
Fracture prediction in flat PMMA notched specimens under tension - effectiveness of the equivalent material concept and fictitious material concept
PublikacjaThe fracture of notched elements under mode I loading (tension) remains an inexhaustible research topic, especially when it comes to the fracture of thermoplastic materials such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which experience considerable plastic strains under tension. The paper points out that traditional brittle fracture criteria such as mean stress (MS) or maximum tangential stress (MTS) criteria used to predict this phenomenon do...