Plastic deformation of linear polyethylene containing row structures

The mechanical and thermal properties of highly oriented polyethylene films containing “shish kebab” type morphology are studied. At low deformations (straine<10%) strong work hardening is observed. Higher deformations (e(40%) give rise to strain softening of the material and a decrease in the Young's modulus of as much as one-third of its initial value. In addition, the high melting component of the material originating from the shish-type crystals vanishes on higher deformation. The deformation processes are discussed from the point of view of a fibre-composite material and structural changes during the deformation are followed by transmission electron microscopy.