Meaning
Physical change in the failure mode of a polymer occurs as the temperature drops, shifting the material from a flexible state to one that shatters under stress. Observing the ductile to brittle transition allows engineers to define the safe operating range for a plastic component. This phenomenon is caused by the reduction in molecular mobility as the thermal energy in the system decreases.
The transition is complete once the polymer can no longer undergo plastic deformation before breaking.
Temperature Sensitivity
Measurement of the energy absorbed at various thermal points identifies the specific range where the material behavior changes. Because the ductile to brittle transition is not a single point but a gradual shift, testing over a wide span of temperatures is required. Cooling the plastic below this zone makes it vulnerable to sudden impacts.
Thermal properties of the resin determine the exact location of this shift.
Failure Mode
Analysis of the fracture surface reveals whether the plastic deformed or snapped cleanly. During the ductile to brittle transition, the appearance of the broken part changes from a stressed look to a smooth and glassy one. Brittle failures occur without warning and often result in sharp shards.
Ductile failures are preceded by visible stretching.
Design Safety
Selection of a resin for critical applications must account for the lowest possible service temperature. If the ductile to brittle transition happens within the working environment, the part will likely fail. Engineers add impact modifiers to push this transition point lower.
Effective designs ensure that the material remains in its flexible state during use.