Inhibited oxidation of a polyethylene melt

The oxidation of linear polyethylene inhibited by an effective antioxidant of the phenolic type, viz. 2,2′-methylene-bis (4-methyl-6-tert. butylphenol), has been studied over the temperature range 170–210. There is a critical concentration of antioxidant above which the rate of its consumption is directly proportional to its concentration. Deviations from this dependence are due to chain initiation by direct oxidation of the polymer and to reactions involving the products derived from the antioxidant: these products can also retard the oxidation. Similar results have been obtained using the amine type antioxidant, N-phenyl-N′-cyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine. Some features of the mechanism of polyolefin oxidation are discussed.     

Role of polymer oxidation in the adhesion of polyethylene to metals

Untreated polyethylene will adhere well to aluminum only if it is applied in an oxidizing atmosphere. Peel strengths for coatings applied to various bright copper surfaces are far lower, probably because of decrease in polymer oxidation when copper is present. Preoxidized polyethylene sheet adheres well when melted on to copper in nitrogen. In view of earlier evidence for the formation of a weak interfacial layer containing shortchain material, it is proposed that the weak bond strengths so caused are substantially improved by the preferential adsorption of longer-chain surface-active oxidized species in the polymers.     

Effect of melt viscosity on the crystallization kinetics of pre-sheared metallocene polyethylene melts

This work aims to verify the impossibility mentioned in the literature of saturating the crystallization kinetics of pre-sheared metallocene polyethylene melts. Similarly to results reported for other materials, and contrary to other published works, an acceleration of crystallization kinetics with the increase of shear strain and its saturation at large strain values was found. Similar strain values, with the same temperature variation, were evaluated with independent experiments using different devices, which allowed us to identify the steady state as the melt state responsible for the saturation of crystallization kinetics. Since this is a partially disentangled melt state, with viscosity lower than that of fully entangled (relaxed) melts, we assign the acceleration of crystallization kinetics by application of shear, and its saturation, mainly to the facilitated diffusion of chain segments to the lamellae growth front. This conclusion is supported additionally with the experimental results of other authors.     

Effect of molecular structure on polyethylene melt rheology. I. Low-shear behavior

The melt rheological properties of both linear and branched polyethylene were investigated by use of narrow molecular weight distribution fractions and experimentally polymerized samples. Studies carried out in steady shear and in oscillatory shear yielded information concerning both the melt viscosity and the melt elasticity as a function of molecular structure, where the latter was characterized by various solution property techniques. The 3.4–3.5 power dependence of the low shear limiting viscosity on molecular weight was confirmed for linear polyethylene. The effect of long-chain branching on rheological properties was defined both at constant molecular weight and at constant molecular weight distribution and coupled with variation of molecular weight.     

Effect of molecular structure on polyethylene melt rheology. II. Shear-dependent viscosity

The investigation of the effect of molecular structural variables on the melt viscosity of polyethylene was extended to the shear dependent region by application of a reduced variables treatment following, in a formal sense, that of Bueche. Viscosity–shear rate data were obtained for a series of experimentally polymerized linear polyethylene samples having a range of molecular weights and molecular weight distributions as characterized primarily by gel permeation chromatography. These data could be superimposed on a single reduced variables flow curve using parameters which were a function only of temperature, limiting Newtonian viscosity, M?_w, and M?_w/M?_n. The same treatment was successfully applied also to branched (low-density) fraction data discussed in a previous paper, with additional correction for long-chain branching. However, different reduced variables curves were obtained for the branched and linear cases.     

Effect of thermal oxidation on the spherulitic morphology of high-density polyethylene

The supermolecular structure of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at various stages of oxidation was studied using polarized optical microscopy and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Samples of HDPE crystallized isothermally at 123°C show a pronounced change in their spherulitic structure with progressive thermal oxidation. Polarized optical micrographs and SAXS data indicate that the average lamellar thickness decreases concomitantly with thermal treatment. Solid-state oxidative scission occurs preferentially at the chain folds where the polymer molecules are strained. This process increases the level of crystallinity of the polymer due to the more efficient packing of crystallites formed by the shorter cleaved chains. The morphological changes are related to the polymer melt flow index, molecular weight distribution, crystallinity and peak melting temperature. A model is proposed to account for the changes in the spherulitic morphology.     

The melt anisotropy of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene

In the course of melt-flow crystallization studies with ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), we observed that the melt of UHMWPE is highly anisotropic above its equilibrium melting point and has a tendency to fibrillate. An examination of the melt anisotropy of UHMWPE by optical, Thermal, and x-ray analysis indicates that the melt anisotropy persists at 345°C, i.e., the temperature at which the polymer degrades under nitrogen, and appears similar to a smectic liquid-crystalline phase.     

Sugar end-capped polyethylene: Ceric ammonium nitrate initiated oxidation and melt phase grafting of glucose onto polyethylene and its microbial degradation

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) was modified to introduce biodegradability by grafting highly hydrophilic monomers (which can act as nutrients for microorganisms) such as glucose by a novel melt phase reaction using Brabender plasti-corder in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) to obtain 4-O-hydroxymethyl d-arabinose (sugar) end-capped LDPE (Su-g-LDPE) at a maximum grafting of 16%. The grafted polymers were characterized by FTIR, thermal analysis, WAXD and mechanical property measurements. The biodegradability of Su-g-LDPE was carried out by soil-burial test and by optical density measurements in presence of an aerobic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. The degraded polymer shows changes in weight, crystallinity and inherent viscosity. Optical density of the medium registered an increase with degradation. FTIR spectra of the degraded samples showed 70% decrease in the ketone carbonyl index (ν₁₇₁₉/ν₁₄₆₅) of Su-g-LDPE indicating microbial degradation of LDPE matrix, which was further confirmed by SEM micrographs. The present data support a microbial oxidation process involving β-oxidation whereby the carbonyl is further oxidized to carboxylic acid and affects cleavage of the LDPE chain at the ends.     

Extensional flow-induced crystallization of a polyethylene melt

Measurements of flow-induced orientation and crystallization have been made on a high-density polyethylene melt (HDPE) undergoing a planar extensional flow in a four-roll mill. The HDPE was suspended as a cylindrical droplet at the flow stagnation point in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) carrier phase. Deformation and crystallization of the HDPE droplet phase were monitored using video imaging in conjunction with measurement of the birefringence and dichroism to quantify the in-situ transformation kinetics. Planar deformation rates along the symmetry axis of the molten HDPE phase were on the order of 0.03 s^?1. Measurements of the initial transformation rate following flow cessation at 131.5°C and 133.2°C show a dependence on initial amorphous phase orientation and the total Hencky strain achieved during flow. The flow-induced crystallization rate is enhanced over the quiescent transformation rate by orders of magnitude, however, the dependence on temperature is less dramatic than expected for a nucleation-controlled growth mechanism. Analysis demonstrates that the melting point elevation model cannot account either qualitatively or quantitatively for the phenomena observed, suggesting that alternative explanations for the strong orientation dependence of the transformation rate are needed.     

Low-temperature oxidation of polyethylene

To increase the surface energy of polyethylene (PE), the surface is subjected to oxidative treatment, such as chemical oxidation or Bunsen flame treatment. It is shown that oxidation of the polymer surface below 100° leads to increase in the contents of double bonds and of hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups and also to branching of the molecules. Increase in the concentration of the polar groups causes increase in the surface free energy.     

Extensional flow-induced crystallization in polyethylene melt spinning

Polyethylene was spun into a heated chamber, with the spin-line temperature controlled in the range of 90–120°C. Within narrow limits, the stretch rate of the fiber was also controlled. Spin-line and crystallization onset conditions were characterized. Characteristics of fibers as-spun were measured via wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), density, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Spin-line data indicate that elongational flow enhances crystallization rate and that time under spin-line conditions is an important parameter. Analysis of WAXS data shows a typical “b-axis radial” orientation, the details of which change with spin-line parameters. This orientation is consistent with growth of lamellar crystals on extended-chain fibrils (shishkebab model). Other physical data are also consistent with this microstructure. Microcamera x-ray patterns show a similarity of microstructure generation in spinning and drawing.     

Measurements of relaxation time of a polyethylene melt

A device for measuring the elasticity of polymer melts has been designed by one of us (B. Maxwell). The device was used to obtain the relaxation modulus in shear of a linear polyethylene melt. From these data a discrete relaxation spectrum was derived. The range of the obtained spectrum was confirmed to correspond to the terminal zone of the “entanglement plateau” of the spectrum. The limiting dynamic viscosity (as frequency approaches zero) was obtained by integrating the relaxation modulus with respect to time. The viscosity and its activation energy were found to agree closely with the flow viscosity and the flow activation energy, respectively, involved in capillary flow.     

The hexagonal phase and melt of low-molecular-weight polyethylene

Phase diagrams of low-molecular-weight polyethylene (M = 1000, 2000, 6500, 16,000) and polyethylene (M ≈ 1,000) after fuming nitric acid treatment have been determined from 20 to 300°C up to pressures of about 10 kbar. The fractions with molecular weights 1000 and 2000 do not exhibit the hexagonal phase, but the others do. Effects of molecular weight and fuming nitric acid treatment on the phase diagrams are discussed in terms of the entropy of the melt.     

Intercrystalline links in polyethylene crystallized from the melt

Intercrystalline links in polyethylene have been revealed by crystallizing from the melt mixtures of fractionated polymer and the linear hydrocarbon n-C₃₂H₆₆, the latter constituent being removed later by washing at room temperature in an organic solvent. These fibrous links measure up to 15,000 A. in length and are 30–300 A. in thickness. Molecular chains are oriented parallel to the lengths of the links, and apparently nucleate on tie molecules formed by the simultaneous crystallization of different parts of the same molecule on the surfaces of different, and often widely separated, crystals. The maximum length of the links found in a given polymer varies as the square root of molecular weight, and there are indications that molecules in the melt are much more extended than is predicted by conventional configurational statistics. The links are under tension and presumably exert a significant influence on physical properties.     

Lamellar structure in melt crystallized low density polyethylene

The investigation of representative details in the lamellar microstructure of LDPE observed after controlled chlorosulfonation using both EM and SAXD is reported. For this purpose melt crystallized PE with two branch contents (=0.28 and 2.53 branches per 10²CH²) has been prepared using Kanig's technique over a range of temperatures and treatment times. During the first treatment hours the selective incorporation of electron-dense atoms at the lamellar surface produces a macroscopic weight increase, swelling of the sample and a concurrent decrease of the SAXS intensity. The main result, however, is that the thickness of the lamellar structure does not vary with treatment time. After long chlorosulfonation times a saturation of electron-dense atoms within the surface layer and a reduction in the lateral dimensions of the lamellae take place. Optimum conditions for revealing the representative morphology are such as to lead to a weight increase of 50% for PE with=0.28 of branches and only to an increase of 10% for material of branch content represented by an value of 2.53.On leave from Inst. Estructura de la Materia, Madrid-6. Spain     

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene: Raman spectroscopic study of melt anisotropy

The Raman spectrum of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been obtained in the temperature interval 135–208°C, a region where optical anisotropy was observed to exist. On the basis of our spectroscopic evidence, we believe that ordered regions persist in the melt above the calorimetrically determined melting point, and that part of the polyethylene chain is in an enviroment which is similar to that of the orthorhombic crystal. These ordered domains disappear with increasing temperature, but no calorimetric phase transition is associated with this change. We postulate that the very long relaxation times associated with the highly viscous melt keep the polyethylene chains in ordered environments which persist until decreased viscosity at increased temperature allows long-range segmental motion. Our evidence supports the view that the melt anisotropy of UHMWPE arises from oriented slowly melting superheated crystals and not from a smectic liquid-crystalline phase.     

Profile of oxidation in irradiated polyethylene

Following gamma irradiation in air which causes bond scission and yields large concentrations of peroxy radicals, maximum oxidation and an increase in crystallinity occurs on the surface of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. Here, bimolecular reactions of peroxy radicals generate carbonyls, mostly ketones. On the polymer surface, peroxy radicals continue to react over time periods of years to generate carbonyls and chain scission. Peroxy radicals in the interior of the polymer abstract hydrogens and form hydroperoxides, inducing chain reactions and a slow but continue increase of ketone. Within the polymer sample, to a decreasing depth with increasing dose, a reduced concentration of oxygen is available to react with radiolytic radicals, so that more efficient crosslinking and a low level of hydroperoxide chain reaction occur. After long periods of time a surface maximum in carbonyl concentration is produced. Heating polyethylene in high pressures of oxygen accelerates the oxidative process. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 329–339, 1998     

Effect of p-toluensulfonic acid on oxidation of polyethylene and polyethylene-poly-p-methylstyrene blends

p-Toluensulfonic acid retards oxidation of polyethylene and, to a greater extent, of polyethylene-poly-p-methylstyrene blends. The real antioxidant is p-cresol, formed by p-toluensulfonic acid transformation in oxidizing polyethylene and, in blends, through peroxidation and subsequent acid-catalyzed decomposition of hydroperoxides of poly-p-methylstyrene.     

Effect of atmospheric nitrogen on the oxidation mechanism of aluminum alloys with rare-earth metals

Interaction (25–620°C) of aluminum and its alloys with an atmosphere saturated with nitrogen was studied to determine the role played by rare-earth metals in the mechanism by which nitride phases are formed in oxidation of Al + REM alloys in air. The ellipsometric method and Auger electron spectroscopy were used to determine that, under the given experimental conditions, metallic aluminum is subjected to the greatest extent to the nitridation process, which is competing with the oxidation process. The process is initiated by the conversion of the amorphous oxide film to γ-Al₂O₃. The surface of Al + REM alloys interacts with nitrogen at the outer part of the oxide layer. The rare-earth metal actively reacts with impurity oxygen present in the atmosphere under study and hinders formation of nitride/oxynitride layers.     

Nitric acid oxidation of irradiated polyethylene

Samples of high-density polyethylene were irradiated with x-rays and oxidized with concentrated nitric acid to determine the location of unsaturated groups. Vinyl groups initially present in the polymer were rapidly oxidized to the extent of 85% and are assumed to be excluded from the crystals. Vinylene groups show a rapid oxidation followed by slow oxidation. The initial oxidation is about 35%, which is slightly greater than the 25% amorphous content of the polymer prior to irradiation. Diene groups are rapidly oxidized by nitric acid but are formed at about the same rate in crystalline and amorphous samples. This is interpreted to indicate that diene groups are formed throughout the polymer but form large defects in crystalline regions and are accessible to oxidation. Defects formed in crystalline regions during irradiation lower the melting point to a greater extent than predicted by the mole fraction of noncrystallizable units.