Time and temperature effect on the linear–nonlinear viscoelastic transition threshold of a polymeric system

In the present study, the transition of a polymeric material from the linear to the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior and the determination of the nonlinearity stress threshold variation with time and temperature are investigated. For this purpose a systematic experimental program consisted of thermal and mechanical characterization of certain polymeric material followed by isothermal creep tests at different stress levels and temperatures was conducted. Through isochronal curves that occurred from creep tests, the nonlinearity threshold dependence on both time and temperature is presented. The reported results provide information that is critical for the design and development of polymer structures and components.