A possible mechanism for cross-tie fibril generation in crazing of amorphous polymers

A possible mechanism for cross-tie fibril generation in crazes of amorphous polymers is proposed. Detailed finite element calculations are performed o n an axisymmetric model of a single fibril inside the craze. These calculat ions suggest that the hydrostatic stress inside the fibril is large enough to cause cavitation and subsequent growth of initial imperfections inside t he fibril. The calculations demonstrate that these cavities will then grow by local plastic flow around them, leading to a continuous network of main fibrils interconnected by cross-tie fibrils. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.