This book on "Polymer Fracture" might as well have been called "Kinetic Theory of Polymer Fracture". The term "kinetic theory", however, needs some de­ finition or, at least, some explanation. A kinetic theory deals with and particu­ larly considers the effect of the existence and discrete size, of the motion and of the physical properties of molecules on the macroscopic behavior of an ensemble, gaseous or other. A kinetic theory of strength does have to consider additional aspects such as elastic and anelastic deformations, chemical and physical reactions, and the sequence and distribution of different disintegration steps. In the last fifteen years considerable progress has been made in the latter do­ mains. The deformation and rupture of molecular chains, crystals, and morphologi­ cal structures have been intensively investigated. The understanding of the effect of those processes on the strength of polymeric materials has especially been furthered by the development and application of spectroscopical methods (ESR, IR) and of the tools offracture mechanics. It is the aim of this book to relate the conventional and successful statistical, parametrical, and continuum mechanical treatment of fracture phenomena to new results on the behavior of highly stressed molecular chains.

Table of Contents:
1 Deformation and Fracture of High Polymers, Definition and Scope of Treatment.- References.- 2 Structure and Deformation.- I. Elements of the Superstructure of Solid Polymers.- II. Deformation.- III. Model Representation of Deformation.- References.- 3 Statistical, Continuum Mechanical, and Rate Process Theories of Fracture.- I. Introduction.- II. Statistical Aspects.- III. Continuum and Fracture Mechanics Approach.- IV. Rate Process Theories of Fracture.- References.- 4 Strength of Primary Bonds.- I. Covalent Bonds.- II. Bond Energies.- III. Form of Binding Potential.- 5 Mechanical Excitation and Scission of a Chain.- I. Stress-Strain Curve of a Singie Chain.- II. Axial Mechanical Excitation of Chains.- III. Deexcitation of Chains.- References.- 6 Identification of ESR Spectra of Mechanically Formed Free Radicals.- I. Formation.- II. EPR Technique.- III. Reactions and Means of Identification.- IV. Assignment of Spectra.- References.- 7 Phenomenology of Free Radical Formation and of Relevant Radical Reactions (Dependence on Strain, Time, and Sample Treatment).- I. Radical Formation in Thermoplastics.- II. Free Radicals in Stressed Rubbers.- III. Mechanically Relevant Radical Reactions.- References.- 8 The Role of Chain Scission in Homogenous Deformation and Fracture.- I. Small-Strain Deformation and Fracture of Highly Oriented Polymers.- II. Deformation, Creep, and Fatigue of Unoriented Polymers.- III. Environmental Degradation.- References.- 9 Molecular Chains in Heterogeneous Fracture.- I. Fracture Mechanics.- II. Crazing.- III. Molecular and Morphological Aspects in Crack Propagation.- References.- Appendix Table A—1. List of Abbrevations of the Most Important Polymers.- Table A—2. List of Abbrevations not Referring to Polymer Names.- Table A—3. List ofSymbols.- Table A—4. Conversion Factors.