Abstract:
Cross-linked samples of polyethylene were prepared by electron
irradiation of both high and low density polymers in the crystalline state.
A further cross-linked sample was obtained by curing a high density polyethylene
by reaction with dicumyl peroxide at 180°C. The stress-strain birefringence
relations were obtained, on specimens cut from these samples, at temperatures
between 130 and 250°C.
All samples showed a substantial decrease in stress-optical coefficient
with increasing degree of cross-linking and with increasing temperature. The
stress-optical properties at each temperature were extrapolated to zero degree
of cross-linking to give quantities characteristic of the Guassian network.
Comparison of these properties with Gaussian theory of the network leads to a
value of ca.1150 cals/mole for the difference in energy between trans and
gauche conformations of successive links of the polyethylene chain and also
indicates that the optical anisotropy of a - CH2 group in the elastomeric
state is more nearly given by Denbigh’s than by Bunn and Daubeny's polaris-abilities.
