On the influence of initial morphology on the internal structure of highly drawn polyethylene

Morphological investigations on a range of polyethylenes, which differ with respect to their molecular weight characteristics and which possess quite distinctly different superstructures, non-spherulitic and banded spherulitic, have been performed to follow structural developments during drawing. Of particular significance is the detailed examination of transverse sections, in addition to the more commonly undertaken longitudinal studies. The key point that emerges is the retention of a memory of the original superstructure by the highly drawn products. This is strikingly evident in the lateral morphology, which clearly transforms in a continuous fashion, in contrast to the axial morphology, which is transformed out of all recognition by drawing. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.