Study of the relationship between the mechanical properties and processing for self-reinforced polymers: A kinetic model theory of tensile strength for self-reinforced polymers

In this paper, a new model theory of tensile strength for self-reinforced polymers is proposed. It is based on the theory of chemical activated rate and of strain-induced crystallization. A kinetic equation for bond rupture and molecular flow of the extended polymer chains was established by employing the coefficient of overstressed chain as variable. By integration and simplification, a new correlation between the tensile strength with the processing and testing conditions for self-reinforced polymers was derived from the theory. The dependence of tensile strength on the draw ratios of processing and on testing conditions was studied. The proposed theory was verified by the experimental data of poly(HDU and EUHD) crystals and Ultra High Molecular Weight of Polyethylene (UHMWPE) mechanical properties. Excellent agreement between the theory and experimental results was obtained.