Science of Engineering Materials

MAT SCI 104 2019

Homework Problem Set #5
Due date: 08/17/2019 11:59 PM

14.13) Make comparisons of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers (a) on the

basis of mechanical characteristics upon heating, and (b) according to possible
molecular structures.

14.14) (a) Is it possible to grind up and reuse phenol-formaldehyde? Why or why

not? (b) Is it possible to grind up and reuse polypropylene? Why or why not?

15.1) From the stress-strain data for poly(methyl methacrylate) shown in Figure
15.3 (shown below), determine the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength at
room temperature [20◦C (68◦F)], and compare these values with those given in
Table 15.1. (on page 2)

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15.12) Briefly explain how much each of the following influences the tensile or
yield strength of a semi-crystalline polymer and why:
(a) Molecular weight
(b) Degree of crystallinity
(c) Deformation by drawing
(d) Annealing of an undeformed material

16.3) A large-particle composite consisting of tungsten particles within a copper

matrix is to be prepared. If the volume fractions of tungsten and copper are 0.70
and 0.30, respectively, estimate the upper limit for the specific stiffness of this
composite given the data that follow.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (GPA)

COPPER 8.9 110
TUNGSTEN 19.3 407

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16.9) Is it possible to produce a continuous and oriented aramid fib-epoxy matrix
composite having longitudinal and transverse moduli of elasticity of 35 GPa (5 ×
106 psi) and 5.17 GPa (7.5 × 105 psi), respectively? Why or why not? Assume that
the elastic modulus of the epoxy is 3.4 GPa (4.93 × 105 psi).

16.15) Compute the longitudinal strength of an aligned carbon fiber-epoxy matrix

composite having a 0.20 volume fraction of fibers, assuming the following:
(1) an average fiber diameter of 6 × 10 -3 mm (2.4 × 10-4 in.),
(2) an average fiber length of 8.0 mm (0.31 in.),
(3) a fiber fracture strength of 4.5 GPa (6.5 × 105 psi),
(4) a fiber-matrix bond strength of 75 MPa (10,900 psi),
(5) a matrix stress at composite failure of 6.0 MPa (870 psi), and
(6) a matrix tensile strength of 60 MPa (8,700 psi)