Correlation between Scratch Behavior and Tensile Properties in Injection Molded and Extruded Polymers

This study investigates the validity and applicability of the correlation between scratch and tensile properties for extruded polymer strands. The mechanical properties could be predicted for extruded samples, which allows skipping the step of injection molding and therefore enables a faster material development. Extruded polymer strands and tensile test specimens out of PMMA, PS, POM, PP and PE have been investigated. A correlation of the Young's modulus and the elastic deformation as well as a correlation of the yield stress and the plastic deformation during scratching is given for both flat molded and cylindrical extruded specimens. SEM images of the scratch grooves are used to analyze the scratch deformation mechanism. The deformation mechanism correlates well to the variation coefficient of the indentation depth. Polarized light microscopy of thin cross sections of both types of specimens provides information about skin layer thickness and morphology. However, the optical analysis could not provide an explanation for the different levels of the indentation depth in the two specimen types. Further investigations should include a study of differences in process induced morphology and the effect of two layers with different mechanical properties, i.e., skin and center, on the stress and strain fields underneath the scratch.