A scanning force microscopy study on the drawing of solution crystallized UHMW-PE
- Universiteit Twente, Enschede (Netherlands)
- Universitaet Freiburg (Germany)
Drawing of solution crystallized UHMW-PE has been monitored by scanning force microscopy (SFM). The work is focused on the transformation of lamellae to fibrilla crystals within the necking region ({lambda} = 1-10). SFM allows threedimensional visualization of the polymer surface in the range of Angstrom up to micrometers. No special treatment like staining an coating is necessary, and the experiments can be performed under ambient conditions. Thus, it was possible to reveal details of the structural transformation which could not be observed before. In order to recognize and eliminate artifacts, the probing tips were calibrated by means of a newly developed gauge and the results are compared with complimentary SEM and TEM (replica) studies. Two stages of the deformation could be distinguished: (i) sliding of the lamellae followed by (ii) transformation to 20-40 nm wide fibrils. These nanofibrils are already formed during the necking process and their diameter remains unchanged upon further drawing up to {lambda} = 70. The nanofibrils are identified as the basic building unit of the fibrillar structure. Their role regarding the improvement in strength upon drawing to large {lambda}-values will be discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 141732
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-930304-; TRN: 93:003688-1416
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 205. American Chemical Society national meeting, Denver, CO (United States), 28 Mar - 2 Apr 1993; Other Information: PBD: 1993; Related Information: Is Part Of 205th ACS national meeting; PB: 1951 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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