| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 821807 | Composites Science and Technology | 2009 | 7 Pages |
The analysis of the (nano)structure and texture of polymer fibres (polyamides 66, Bombyx mori and spider silks) by Raman (IR) microscopy/metry, in particular after deuteration and isotopic H/D dilution, is applied so as to differentiate between crystalline and amorphous macromolecules. Bonding is very similar in the two cases but a broader distribution of conformations is observed for the amorphous macromolecules, in agreement with the para-crystal model. These conclusions are then used to discuss the modifications induced by the application of a tensile or compressive stress, including the effects of fatigue. Detailed attention is paid to water and the inter-chain coupling for which the importance of hydrogen bonding is reconsidered. The significant role of the “amorphous” bonds in the process of fracture/fatigue is shown. The approach is extended to the analysis of silks.
