Bagging of Thin Polymer Materials: Geometry, Resistance and Application

Abstract

New testing method based on bagging principle and aimed to determine mechanical properties of thin walled polymer materials (textiles, membranes, paper) is presented. The obtained data proves that bagging of a disc shaped specimen through a rounded hole is a simple and informative method for a new and more simple evaluation of such properties as smoothness, rigidity, hardness, softness, drape, i.e. those that determine performance stability of mentioned materials. Original instrumental base - KTU-Griff-Tester - is described together with the technical data of its new testing device and its application scope. Theoretical descriptions of material behaviour and optimal regimes for bagging test realisation are given. Optimal conditions for the determination of mechanical properties of a certain type of material are indicated. It is expected that this new instrumental tool can allow evaluating anisotropy level, brittleness and other properties of plain material in a more simple way.