POLYMER CREEP IN A STATIC MAGNETIC-FIELD

By noting changes in the color of samples in a polarization microscope with varying degree of birefringence, the effect of a weak static mag netic fields (2 and 4 kOe) on molecules of glassy polymers has been ob served. Variations in the nonmonotonicity of the rate of discontinuous creep at + 18 degrees were studied interferometrically. It is shown t hat the abruptness of the deformation jumps varies in a magnetic field , where this abruptness is assumed to be due to the existence of stron g physical junctions between the kinetic units of deformation. The rea ctivity of the polymers to the magnetic field stands in satisfactory c orrespondence with their magnetic susceptibilities. Results show that such nonmagnetic materials as glassy polymers can noticeably alter the ir deformational properties in response to the action of magnetic fiel ds. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.