In order to investigate the general view of tensile properties which are the basic mechanical properties for various rigid PVC plates, ten kinds of plates were tested according to the ASTM Tensile Testing Method (D638). The results obtained are summarized as follows:
(1) The rigid PVC plates are divided into two groups from the standpoint of the tensile properties. The first group has lower tensile strength and larger elongation, and the second one has high tensile strength and smaller elongation.
(2) The value of tensile strength (upper yield strength) σ₁ of the test plates exists between 5.1 and 7.9kg/mm², and the value of lower yield strength σ₂ is almost constant, i.e. 4.2kg/mm². The value of tensile strength at break σ_B is roughly identical with σ₂. The value of modulus of elasticity E exists between 320 and 390kg/mm², and a correlation between E and σ₁ can be found.
(3) There is a reciprocal-correlation between elongation δ and σ₁. The nominal absorbed energy to tensile break W is approximately proportional to the increment of distance between grips ΔD. The value of mean stress σ_m, which is the divided value of W by ΔD, is almost constant and is approximately equal to σ₂.
(4) The percentage of ultimate elongation of rigid PVC plates is about 150∼160%, and the true tensile strength at break corresponding to the ultimate elongation is about 12∼13kg/mm².
(5) The behaviors of the necking phenomenon at its arising and those at the breaking differ also between these two groups.