Deformability and tensile strength of expanded polystyrene under short-term loading

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 26; no. 7; pp. 886 - 895
• Main Authors: Gnip, I.Y., Vejelis, S., Kersulis, V., Vaitkus, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellular; Exact sciences and technology; Expanded polystyrene (EPS); Experimental design; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Maximum strain; Modulus of elasticity; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Properties and testing; Technology of polymers; Tension; Testing and control; Ultimate tensile strength; Ultimate tensile strength; Tension; Modulus of elasticity; Maximum strain; Experimental design; Expanded polystyrene (EPS); Elastic modulus; Mechanical model; Mechanical properties; Test standard; Experimental study; Cellular plastic; Modeling; Tension test; Tensile strength; Thickness; Size effect; Styrene polymer; Measurement method; Plastics
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2007.06.008

The results obtained in the experimental investigation of deformability and tensile strength of expanded polystyrene (EPS) under short-term loading are presented. The specimens were cut from EPS boards and subjected to tension acting perpendicular to their faces in compliance with the standard EN 1607+AC. A method of experimental design was used to obtain mathematical models for optimizing the thickness H of flat square cross section specimens ( b=100 mm) to determine modulus of elasticity E t , relative ultimate strain ε et and ultimate strength σ mt . Graphic representation of the models obtained is also provided. Some additional tests were conducted on samples subjected to tension acting longitudinal to their faces to extend our knowledge of the mechanical characteristics of EPS. Based on these experimental data, an assumption was made about the homogeneity of EPS continuum in mutually perpendicular planes with respect to its deformability and strength under tension.