Polymer deformation. II. Drawing of polyethylene single crystals

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Abstract
The effect of molecular weight average and distribution, defect type, fold plane type and orientation, and the presence of fold domain boundaries on the deformation characteristics of polyethylene single crystals drawn on a Mylar substrate has been investigated. Defect content is suggested to have a bigger effect than either molecular weight or distribution. Fold plans of the {100} type are shown to deform in a different fashion than those of the {110} type. Boundaries between {100} and {110} fold domains are greatly susceptible to failure whereas those between neighboring {110} fold domains are not. Clear evidence for deformation through {110} twinning and a crystal transformation is shown. Plastic deformation without molecular unfolding or fracture occurs in many polyethylene crystals for elongation up to at least 150%.