Quantitative modeling of scratch-induced deformation in amorphous polymers

In order to predict scratch performance of polymers, the present study focuses on quantitative assessment of various scratch-induced deformation mechanisms based on a set of model amorphous polymers via numerical modeling. A modification of Ree-Eyring theory is used to account for the rate dependent behavior of the model polymers at high strain rates using the experimental data obtained at low strain rates. By incorporating the rate and pressure dependent constitutive and frictional behaviors in the finite element methods (FEM) model, good agreement has been found between FEM simulation and experimental observations. The results suggest that, by including appropriate constitutive relationship and frictional model in the numerical analysis, the scratch behavior of polymers can be quantitatively predicted with reasonable success. Usefulness of the present numerical modeling for designing scratch resistant polymers is discussed.