Effect of molecular weight on the morphology and drawing behaviour of melt crystallized linear polyethylene

The effect of molecular weight on the cold drawing behaviour of melt crystallized linear polyethylene has been studied. It is shown that the draw ratio achieved under comparable conditions rises with decreasing M̄w, very high draw ratios (∼36) being possible for optimum morphology of the undrawn polymer. The yield behaviour was also examined, and it is shown that the yield stress is affected in a complex fashion by both crystallization...