Polymers, ubiquitous in modern life, undergo static and dynamic ageing processes that significantly impact their mechanical, thermal and chemical properties over time. This contribution provides a comprehensive overview of the static and dynamic ageing phenomena observed in polymers, encompassing mechanisms, influencing factors and implications across various industries. The ageing of polymers involves intricate chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis and photo-degradation, leading to molecular rearrangements, chain scission and the formation of degradation products. Factors influencing polymer ageing include environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity and UV radiation), mechanical stress, chemical exposure and material composition. Understanding the statics and dynamics of polymer ageing is crucial for predicting material behaviour, optimizing product performance, and ensuring safety and reliability in diverse applications. In the automotive sector, for instance, ageing-related degradation can affect the structural integrity of polymer components, impacting vehicle safety and longevity. Similarly, in the packaging industry, knowledge of polymer ageing kinetics is essential for designing sustainable packaging solutions with extended shelf life and reduced environmental impact. Therefore, the computer-based simulation and prediction of polymer ageing with adequate calibrated models is essential. This is the point where this article applies. A one-dimensional thermomechanical consistent model is developed and presented which is able to capture dynamic ageing processes in the frequency and time domains. Meaningful simulations demonstrate the model's ability to reasonably depict various ageing effects. A brief summary and a comprehensive outlook on the upcoming work complete this contribution.    «

Polymers, ubiquitous in modern life, undergo static and dynamic ageing processes that significantly impact their mechanical, thermal and chemical properties over time. This contribution provides a comprehensive overview of the static and dynamic ageing phenomena observed in polymers, encompassing mechanisms, influencing factors and implications across various industries. The ageing of polymers involves intricate chemical reactions such as oxidation, hydrolysis and photo-degradation, leading to m...    »