Understanding structure-mechanics relationship of high density polyethylene based on stress induced lattice distortion

Abstract The relationship between the macroscopic non-linear mechanics and the microscopic crystal structural evolution of pre-oriented high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is investigated by in situ synchrotron radiation wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) measurement over a wide temperature range from −10 to 130 °C. With the concept of stress-induced disordering of crystal, the ratio ( φ a / b ) of lattice parameters a to b is defined as a new structural variable, which can reflect the lattice distortion and then the microscopic stress state of orthorhombic crystal (O-crystal). According to the temperature-dependent non-linear variation of φ a / b with strain, the contributions of O-crystal and monoclinic crystal (M-crystal) to the macroscopic mechanics including linear elasticity, yielding, stress softening and strain hardening are clarified. It is found that M-crystal bears the main extensional stress once formed, although it survives within a limited strain window relying on temperature. By further combining the extensional phase diagram constructed in strain-temperature space, the HDPE deformation is recognized to undergo successively one-dimensional (1D) chain segments rotation of crystal, two-dimensional (2D) crystal plan shearing or slipping and three-dimensional (3D) recrystallization along with increasing strain or stress, demonstrating a multiscale structural transition and energy dissipation mechanism.