Texture development in uniaxially drawn polyethylene tape

Abstract

Texture development in solid-state uniaxially drawn polyethylene has been interpreted in terms of crystal plasticity and deformation in the amorphous phase. A poorly defined texture with the chain axes normal to the sample surface develops at low draw ratios (λ=2). The development of this texture is explained by interlamellar shear taking place in the amorphous phase. On further drawing, the chain axes rotate parallel to the draw direction. This rotation is governed by (duplex) slip on several systems such as (1 0 0) [0 1 0] and {1 1 0} 〈1 1 0〉 transverse slip and (1 0 0) [0 0 1], (0 1 0) [0 0 1] and {1 1 0} 〈0 0 1〉 chain slip. At higher draw ratios (λ⩾11) the chain axis is parallel to the draw direction and (1 0 0) planes become parallel to the sample surface. This orientation, often called a (1 0 0) texture, cannot necessarily be related to single slip on (1 0 0) planes. The texture could also be generated by cross slip on (1 0 0) [0 0 1] and {1 1 0} 〈0 0 1〉 slip systems. It is postulated that any type of slip on (0 1 0) planes is restricted due to fold plane restraints.