Polymer Plasticity: Yield and Deformation

This lecture delves into the plastic deformation of polymers, focusing on yielding and its correlation to entanglement. It covers topics such as small deformations in the solid state, brittle vs. ductile behavior, and the role of entanglements in stabilizing plastic deformation. The lecture also discusses the importance of plasticity, yield strength, and the physical aging of polymers. Furthermore, it explores the Von Mises yield criterion and the influence of pressure on yield strength, providing insights into the behavior of polymers under different conditions.