Anisotropy of viscoelastic transitions in oriented polyethylenes

Measurements have been made of the anisotropy of viscoelastic behavior in cold-drawn low-density and high-density polyethylene sheets. In the low-density polymer the β transition was shown to be highly anisotropic, maximum losses corresponding to shear on planes containing the axis of drawing and on planes perpendicular to this axis. In high-density polyethylene the α transition shows anisotropy.