Biaxial orientation characterization on-line and off-line and structure properties correlations in films

In this paper, biaxial orientation characterization techniques are briefly reviewed. Results obtained using birefringence and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques are presented for different applications: On-line monitoring of birefringence for an amorphous polymer (polystyrene); On-line and off-line determination of orientation (birefringence) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and finally off-line measurement of orientation on polyethylene (LDPE) films using FTIR. Some typical morphologies of blown LDPE films are reported and discussed. Finally, correlations between orientation on one hand and shrinkage and tear strength on the other are attempted.