18^th Discussion Conference on Mechanical Behavior of Polymers, 20–23 July 1998, Prague, Czech Republic

Reports from IUPAC-Sponsored Symposia

18^th Discussion Conference on Mechanical Behavior of Polymers, 20–23 July 1998, Prague, Czech Republic

This conference was the 56th meeting in the series of Prague Meetings on Macromolecules, organized by the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic under the auspices of the IUPAC Macromolecular Division.

The aim of the conference was to provide a forum for both academic and industrial experts in the mechanical behavior of solid polymers, both synthetic and natural. Special emphasis was placed on structural understanding of macroscopic mechanical behavior. Conference topics included the following:

• interrelations between structural hierarchy and mechanical behavior

• analysis of strength and toughness for composition and blends

• effects of degradation on mechanical properties

• new experimental approaches, including online structural characterization in mechanical testing, acoustic emission, fractoemission, and related techniques

These topics were covered in 10 plenary (main) lectures, 19 special lectures, and 74 poster contributions. In addition, 2 panel discussions were organized on:

• mechanical behavior of high-performance polymers (discussion leader: A. Hiltner, USA), and

• strength and toughness of oriented polymer systems, composites, and blends (discussion leader: H. H. Kausch, Switzerland)

The program committee, with Dr. Miroslav Raab as Conference Chairman, organized a very interesting scientific program with many well-known speakers. Attendees included 127 participants from 24 countries and 88 guests from abroad.

The main lectures covered many aspects of morphology, mechanical properties, and micromechanical mechanisms of polymers. Principal speakers and topics included the following:

• E. Baer, A. Hiltner (USA)

  Hierarchical Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polymeric Materials

• E. G. Clutton, L. J. Rose, G. Capaccio (UK)

  Structural Features and Fracture Phenomena in Polyethylene

• G. K. Elyashevich (Russia)

  Deformation Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Hard Elastic and Porous Films of Polyethylene

• M. Matsuo (Japan)

  Gelation/Crystallization Mechanism of Crystalline Polymer Solutions and Morphology and Drawability of Resultant Films

• A. Galeski, Z. Bartczak (Poland)

  Plastic Deformation of Crystalline Polymer Blends

• F. La Mantia (Italy)

  Mechanical Properties of Recycled Polymers

• P. J. Lemstra (Netherlands)

  Processing for Ultimate Properties

• M. Raab (Czech Republic)

  Feedback in Mechanical Behavior of Polymers

• S. Seidler, W. Grellmann (Austria/Germany)

  Application of Resistance Concept to Toughness Characterization of High-Impact Thermoplastic

• J. L. Kardos, J. C. Halpin (USA)

  Predicting Strength and Toughness of Short-Fiber Composites

• G. H. Michler (Germany)

  New Toughening Mechanisms of Polymers

The conference took place in an excellent, friendly atmosphere. In addition to the scientific program, there was a welcome reception, a very interesting excursion to historic places in the surroundings of Prague, a conference dinner, and a closing ceremony. All guests surely enjoyed this very succesful event in the series of the Prague Meetings.

Professor Dr. G. H. Michler

Associate Member, IUPAC Commission on

Polymer Characterization and Properties

(IV.2)