| Abstract: | The size and distortion of crystallites in samples of linear polyethylene were determined before and after plastic deformation. A slowly cooled sample, a quenched sample, and highly drawn films (draw ratio 16) were investigated by different methods. Wide-angle x-ray patterns were analyzed to study the average size of the crystalline mosaic blocks and their distortion. In addition, the longitudinal crystal thickness (in the chain direction) was evaluated by two other approaches, determination of the long period, and the melting temperature of irradiated samples. The results show clearly that the size of the crystalline mosaic blocks changes substantially with drawing of polyethylene. Not only is the lateral crystal thickness affected, but the longitudinal crystal dimensions also change during the drawing process. By the three independent methods we find that the longitudinal crystal thickness after drawing is independent of the value for the undrawn samples, as was reported earlier by Peterlin. The change in crystallite size after drawing is accompanied by a large decrease in crystal volume to about 10% of the value for the undrawn sample. The degree of distortion in the crystals seems not to be affected by the deformation process. These experimental data can be considered evidence for high chain mobility and for the possibility of rearrangement of chain molecules during the process of plastic deformation. |
