Evaluation of paracrystallinity in blown polyethylene films by generalized Clausius-Mosotti equation

The degree of paracrystallinity in several samples of low-density blown polyethylene was estimated by assuming that there was a paracrystalline zone at the boundary between the amorphous and crystalline zones. The paracrystallinity was quantified by applying a generalization of the Clausius-Mosotti equation and using the mean values of the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices, previously calculated, through solving a special Bruggeman's equation. The final results are consistent with the values found in literature, where the degree of paracrystallinity is considered to be practically identical to the mean paracrystalline distortion parameter in this specific zone where these polymers are found.