title: Multiple-length-scale deformation analysis in a thermoplastic polyurethane.
abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers enjoy an exceptionally wide range of applications due to their remarkable versatility. These block co-polymers are used here as an example of a structurally inhomogeneous composite containing nano-scale gradients, whose internal strain differs depending on the length scale of consideration. Here we present a combined experimental and modelling approach to the hierarchical characterization of block co-polymer deformation. Synchrotron-based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and radiography are used for strain evaluation across the scales. Transmission electron microscopy image-based finite element modelling and fast Fourier transform analysis are used to develop a multi-phase numerical model that achieves agreement with the combined experimental data using a minimal number of adjustable structural parameters. The results highlight the importance of fuzzy interfaces, that is, regions of nanometre-scale structure and property gradients, in determining the mechanical properties of hierarchical composites across the scales.
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK.
authors.forename: Tan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.affiliation: Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Baimpas
authors.affiliation: Diamond Light Source, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK.
authors.forename: Igor P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Dolbnya
authors.affiliation: Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry 'Petru Poni', Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda, Number 41A, Iasi 700487, Romania.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Prisacariu
authors.affiliation: 1] Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK [2] Diamond Light Source, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0DE, UK.
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.identifier: 0000000235585198
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Korsunsky