**3.6 Tensile and elongation at break**

Tensile and elongation at break essay are relevant instruments for evaluating loss of properties and evolution of degradative process of the polymer. Parameters that contribute for mechanical behavior of polymers are chemical structure, crystallinity degree, molar mass, moisture, and reinforcing agent present, among others. All these properties are modified during degradation processes. In case of reinforcing agents, the concentration is not changed; nevertheless, their interaction can be modified in consequence of chemical modifications suffered by the polymer. Tensile and elongation at break tests were accomplished at 25 ± 5°C, in an EMIC model DL 300 universal essay machine, 20 kN load cell, 50 mm min<sup>−</sup><sup>1</sup> , in accordance with ASTM D 638-14. Specimens were conditioned at 25 ± 5°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity, for 24 h, prior to testing.
