Essential work of fracture analysis of poly(propylene carbonate) with varying molecular weight

Fracture toughness of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with various molecular weights was determined by the essential work of fracture concept (EWF) using double-edge notched (DENT) specimens. The thermal properties and thermomechanical properties were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), respectively. The essential fracture work (we) of PPC tends to increase with increasing molecular weight. The TGA, DMA and MDSC results showed that the decomposition temperature and glass transition temperature of PPC increase with increasing molecular weight. It was indicated that the fracture toughness, thermal stability and glass transition temperature can be improved by increasing the molecular weight of PPC.