Abstract
A holistic general multiscale model of polymer degradation has been applied to predict the mechanical properties of polyamide 11 after the hydrolytic ageing. Results for elastic modulus, tensile strength, and embrittlement threshold have been compared with experimental aging in deoxygenated water at 120°C. For all studied properties the modeled trend is close to the experimental test results confirming hydrolysis induced chain scission and chemicrystalization as the two main mechanisms of property change. This suggests that the multiscale modeling methodology can provide a valuable alternative to accelerated aging tests. The model also indicated that the crystalline phase does play a role in the plastic deformation. Moreover, the mechanical equilibrium between effects of macromolecule degradation and an increased degree of crystallinity has been described. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42792.