Effect of Bubble Inclusions on the Mechanical Properties of Cast Poly-Methyl Metacrylate

Abstract

Abstract : Bubbles are often present in acrylic plastic castings obtained from commercial sources. Since they may lower the strength of products machined from such castings, it is necessary to define quantitatively their effect on mechanical properties. The effect of bubbles on mechanical properties was evaluated using uniaxial tension and compression tests on 120 specimens machined from acrylic plastic castings. The tensile specimens failed at stress levels 7 to 30 percent lower than those observed in control specimens without bubbles. The stresses at which yielding under uniaxial compression took place were found to be the same as in the control specimens.