9522743 DeVries The general goals of this research are the development of bases for better performance predictions, improved reliability of design methods and to explore processes by which structure might be altered to enhance polymer and composite material performance. This project will study the combined effects of stress and common industrial environmental agents on the structural integrity of polymeric materials. It also will explore and interrelate the fracture/failure phenomena from the microscopic scale to the macro level. It is noted, for example, that the rate of degradation is particularly severe for many very high strength oriented polymers. ***
