The effect of high pressure annealing on the molecular network in polyethylene

The changes in the molecular network of several grades of polyethylene subjected to high pressure annealing are followed using a simple model which combines thermal expansion and mechanical measurements. It is found that annealing reduces the degree of molecular entanglement, particularly when perfo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer (Guilford) 1996-07, Vol.37 (15), p.3293-3301
Main Authors: Maxwell, A.S., Unwin, A.P., Ward, I.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
high pressure annealing
molecular network
Organic polymers
Physicochemistry of polymers
polyethylene
Properties and characterization
Rheology and viscoelasticity
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Summary:The changes in the molecular network of several grades of polyethylene subjected to high pressure annealing are followed using a simple model which combines thermal expansion and mechanical measurements. It is found that annealing reduces the degree of molecular entanglement, particularly when performed well within the intermediate hexagonal phase. It is shown that this process can be used to improve the drawability and hence the ultimate physical properties of high molecular weight material. In low molecular weight material it is necessary to retain a sufficiently intact network which can orient the crystallites effectively and which prevents the material from becoming friable.
ISSN:0032-3861
1873-2291
DOI:10.1016/0032-3861(96)88475-8