Molecular orientation behavior of isotactic polypropylene under uniaxial stretching by rheo-Raman spectroscopy

Specific deformation behavior of isotactic polypropylene films under a multiaxial stress field

The specific deformation behavior of crystalline polymer films, namely unoriented crystallized isotactic polypropylene (it PP) films, was investigated under a multiaxial stress field. Changes in the aggregation structure of the films were investigated during the bulge deformation process using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements, and polarized high-speed-camera observations. The films had a thickness of approximately 10 μm. The it PP films were fixed at the hole of a plate, then bulge deformation was applied using N₂ or He gas pressure, and stress-strain curves were then calculated from the applied pressure and bulge height. Yielding was observed in the stress-strain curves. Below the yield point, in situ WAXD measurements revealed that the crystal lattice expanded isotropically at the center, edge, and bottom of the bulge hole. Above the yield point, a craze started to form slightly near the center, and crazes formed in various directions with a further increase in strain, while the crystal lattice expanded uniaxially along the circumference at the edge and bottom. Crazes oriented in various directions merged and lost birefringence, indicating a change to the isotropic orientation. The different directions of the crazes indicated several directions of stress. In other words, even if multiaxial deformation is applied to a crystalline it PP film, the string-shaped crystalline polymer chain structure produces local anisotropic uniaxial stress.

In situ Raman Spectroscopic Observation of Polymer Chains in Semi-Crystalline Polyethylene Solids

In situ Raman spectroscopy is applied for polyethylene solid under various environments to elucidate the morphological and conformational changes. The trans conformation retains up to higher temperature for high-density polyethylene, reflecting higher stability of the orthorhombic crystals composed of stacked trans chains. It is suggested that the conversion of the non-crystalline trans chains to the crystalline phase is the microscopic origin of thermal history in the crystallinity, whereas the transformation between the trans and gauche conformers is practically in thermal equilibrium. Microscopic and dynamic mechanism of deformation during uniaxial stretching is investigated for the molecular orientation and the microscopic load sharing on the crystalline and amorphous chains. Lower crystallinity results in smoother and higher orientation toward the stretching direction, as well as higher load on the amorphous chains, during tensile elongation.

Some Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Polymers and Polymer Composites

Vibrational spectroscopies, including infrared and Raman techniques, are important tools for the characterization of chemical composition, molecular structures, and chain orientation under mechanical deformation of polymeric materials. The development of fiber-optic-based spectrometers has broadened the use of vibrational spectroscopy for process monitoring in various fields including polymerization, curing, and manufacturing processes. Combined with chemometrics, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is now recognized as one of the most important techniques for polymer analyses. Infrared and Raman studies also offer invaluable means for the analysis of inorganic particles used as reinforcing fillers for polymers. The characterization of surface species and the nature of interfacial bonding between the organic and inorganic phases are important issues for the understanding of composite properties. Infrared spectroscopy is particularly convenient for the detection and analysis of hydroxyl groups on filler surfaces, and Raman spectroscopy is particularly well suited for the study of carbon-based materials. In both techniques, polymer-filler interactions can be evidenced through frequency shifts or width changes of bands associated with vibrational modes of functional groups of either macromolecular chains or filler particles. Selected examples of application of infrared and Raman spectroscopies illustrate their potential for monitoring polymer processes, measuring polymer orientation, and characterizing polymer composites.

Key Role of Reinforcing Structures in the Flame Retardant Performance of Self-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

The flame retardant synergism between highly stretched polymer fibres and intumescent flame retardant systems was investigated in self-reinforced polypropylene composites. It was found that the structure of reinforcement, such as degree of molecular orientation, fibre alignment and weave type, has a particular effect on the fire performance of the intumescent system. As little as 7.2 wt % additive content, one third of the amount needed in non-reinforced polypropylene matrix, was sufficient to reach a UL-94 V-0 rating. The best result was found in self-reinforced polypropylene composites reinforced with unidirectional fibres. In addition to the fire retardant performance, the mechanical properties were also evaluated. The maximum was found at optimal consolidation temperature, while the flame retardant additive in the matrix did not influence the mechanical performance up to the investigated 13 wt % concentration.