Molecular Mobility in Deforming Polymer Glasses

This book bridges disparate fields in an exploration of the phenomena and applications surrounding molecular mobility in glassy materials experiencing inelastic deformation. The subjects of plastic deformation and polymer motion/interdiffusion currently belong to the two different fields of continuum mechanics and polymer physics, respectively. However, molecular motion associated with plastic deformation is a key ingredient to gain fundamental understanding, both at the macroscopic and microscopic level. This short monograph provides necessary background in the aforementioned fields before addressing the topic of molecular mobility accompanied by macroscopic inelastic deformation in an accessible and easy-to-understand manner. A new phenomenon of solid-state deformation-induced bonding in polymers is discussed in detail, along with some broad implications in several manufacturing sectors. Open questions pertaining to mechanisms, mechanics, and modeling of deformation-induced bonding in polymers are presented. The book’s clear language and careful explanations will speak to readers of diverse backgrounds.

Author Biography

Nikhil Padhye obtained his PhD from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, and Bachelor’s-Master’s (dual degree) in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He also completed his postdoctoral training at Stanford University and University of California Berkeley. His research interests include computational modeling of solids, finite element methods, and polymer mechanics. Recent efforts have focused on developing fundamental understanding of the deformation-induced bonding phenomenon in polymers and its implications for different manufacturing sectors which rely on polymer adhesion.