Plastic deformation and tearing in high density polyethylene blown films

Abstract

AbstractPolymer films produced by tubular film blowing have a unique morphology that results from the large elongational flow in melt draw down and biaxial orientation due to bubble blow‐up. Three high density polyethylene (HDPE) blown films were produced under similar processing conditions from resins which varied principally in molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the lower MW and narrower MWD resin produced film which had a uniaxial orientation of stacked lamellar crystals. The higher MW (HMW) and broad MWD resins produced films consisting of a network of nearly orthotropically oriented lamellar stacks. Greater high molecular weight fraction (MW > 106) in the resin resulted in more random orientation. The influence of these different structures on properties was studied by examining the plastic zone formation at crack tips and uniaxial tensile deformation with the SEM and comparing them to the macroscopic stress‐strain behavior. A continuous deformation of the network structure was observed in the HMW films. Lamellar deformation occurred primarily in regions of stacks oriented parallel to the tensile axis. Macroscopic yield occurred at 6 to 10 percent strain via a shearing and opening the lamellar crystals. Irreversible deformation occurred from ≃50 to 400 percent strain by transformation of the oriented lamellae to microfibrils. Eventually all the lamellar stacks in the network become aligned with the tensile axis. This process was found to improve the tear resistance in the crack propagation experiments. The lamellar stacks in the network orient perpendicular to the crack independent of crack propagation direction, insuring a more uniform transmission of stress and preventing local yielding. The tensile modulus, yield stress, and ultimate strength were highest in the film containing more high molecular weight polymer.