Open Access

ARTICLE

The Influence of Temperature Environment and Polymeric Binder Proportion on the Static/Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Polymer Materials

Peng Gong¹, Tingzheng Yan¹, Kang Yang², Yumei Yue^2,*, Shude Ji^2,*, Lin Ma³, Yilun Wu¹
1 College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University, Shenyang, 110136, China
2 College of Aerospace Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University, Shenyang, 110136, China
3 College of Material Science and Engineering, Shenyang Aerospace University, Shenyang, 110136, China
* Corresponding Author: Yumei Yue. Email: ; Shude Ji. Email:
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Damage and Fracture of Polymer Composites)

Journal of Polymer Materials https://doi.org/10.32604/jpm.2025.074794

Received 17 October 2025; Accepted 17 December 2025; Published online 14 January 2026

Abstract

To comprehensively explore the impact of binder content on the mechanical properties of the Polymer bonded explosive (PBX) substitute material (Polymer-bonded Analogue Explosive (PAE)—it is renowned for its outstanding high-temperature resistance, exceptional mechanical properties, excellent chemical stability, and superior electrical insulation), a series of experiments are meticulously carried out. The dynamic and static mechanical properties, along with the microstructure of PAE, are precisely measured through the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) test, static compression tests, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The dynamic performance test outcomes clearly indicate that both the binder content (2%, 4%, 6%) and temperature (25°C, 45°C, 70°C) exert a substantial influence on the dynamic mechanical properties of PAE. Specifically, as the binder content increases, the elastic modulus increases, demonstrating higher stiffness, and the longer failure duration represents a prolonged fracture process rather than an improved deformation strain to failure. This means the strength-related stiffness rises with binder content, but the overall ductility does not increase. Notably, PAE with 2% the Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA)—it bonds well with a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, and plastic—exhibits distinct plastic deformation behavior, while PAE samples with 4% and 6% EVA display evident brittle fracture characteristics. Additionally, the mechanical properties of PAE are highly sensitive to temperature variations. Among the tested temperatures, PAE showcases the most favorable performance at 45°C. The static performance test results reveal that an increment in binder content effectively helps to reduce the temperature sensitivity of temperature (−40°C, 25°C, 50°C, 70°C) on PAE and enhance its static mechanical properties. The maximum compressive strength gradually diminishes as the temperature rises. However, it should be noted that an excessively high binder content will undermine the mechanical properties of PAE. With the increase in binder content, the compressive modulus demonstrates relatively stable changes under both low-temperature and high-temperature conditions. The SEM analysis results demonstrate that, aside from the initial defects inherent in the material preparation process, the components of PAE are firmly combined. Throughout the tests, no new pores or microcracks emerge, which strongly indicates that the mechanical properties of PAE remain stable.

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Keywords

PAE; binder ratio; mechanical properties; microstructure

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