| Abstract: | A γ-phase to α-phase transformation in a specimen of isotactic polypropylene crystallized under conditions of high pressure was induced by drawing at 100°C. X-ray studies showed that the unoriented component remained in the γ-phase, and that the oriented component was found only in the α-phase. This evidence supports a previous suggestion that the phase transformation is martensitic in character. The consequences of such an assumption are discussed. The role of dislocations in polymeric systems is generally believed to be not too significant, but since martensitic reactions involve cooperative movements of atoms, an exception in this case is suggested. A possible mechanism for the phase transformation is suggested. |
