Development of slits in polyethylene and polypropylene films stressed in uniaxial tension

Optical microscopy has been used to investigate the development of a slit in polyethylene and polypropylene films with spherulites of different types and sizes stressed in uniaxial tension. The angle between the slit and the direction of extension was 0, 45, or 90°. Slits at 45 and 90° initially develop through localization of slits by a stronger oriented polymer and subsequently as a result of failure of the oriented polymer at the tip of the slit. A longitudinal slit does not develop and does not affect the deformation of the film.Mekhanika Polimerov, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 95–98, 1967