Abstract
Birefringence, infra-red dichroism and shrinkage-stress data of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) uniaxially drawn above the glass transition have been analysed in the framework of the theory of rubber elasticity. It is shown that PEEK chains having a molecular weight M n ≈ 13000 only contain three entangelements per chain on average. The very low level of shrinkage stress of the samples having a draw ratio below the threshold of strain-induced crystallization is perfectly consistent with a weakly entangled network. The birefringence versus stress curve discloses an orientation-dominated regime at low strains and a deformation-dominated regime starting from the onset of the strain-induced crystallization. The length of the random link, L= 1.8 nm, is in very good agreement with the one that can be theoretically predicted for the stiff-chain polymer relatives, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polycarbonate and poly(phenylene oxide). A value for the intrinsic birefringence of the amorphous phase, Δn° a = 0.38±0.04, is also reported.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
