Relationship between Morphology and Deformation Mechanisms of Polyolefins. II

Abstract

The deformation of polybutene‐1 spherulites is studied by measuring the variation of their birefringence with strain at differing angular positions within the spherulite. Results are compared with a phenomenological model for the deformation process. It is concluded that the deformation process depends upon the angular orientation within the spherulite with respect to the strain direction. In order to simplify the resolution of these processes, uniaxially crystallized films are prepared in which the lamellas are believed to be arranged parallel to each other rather than radially. The results of x‐ray, birefringence, and mechanical experiments on such films are described.