Time‐dependence of crystal orientation in crystalline polymers

Abstract

The results of two methods for studying molecular processes accompanying the deformation of polyethylene are described. The examination of spherulite deformation by observing light scattering patters along with measurement of the birefringence, stress and strain during the rapid extension of polyethylene shows that this initial structural deformation is essentially instantaneous. Dynamic x‐ray diffraction shows that this is followed by a slower relaxation involving change in the orientation of the crystals by two processes, the lower temperature one involving slipping of lamellae past each other and the higher temperature one involving viscoelastic flow of the crystals.