Molecular Orientation of High-Density Polyethylene Fibers Characterized by Polarized Raman Spectroscopy

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 28; no. 11; pp. 4007 - 4012
• Main Authors: Citra, Mario J, Chase, D. Bruce, Ikeda, Richard M, Gardner, Kenncorwin H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 01.05.1995
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Molecular orientation; Oriented polymer; Crystalline polymer; Polarized radiation; High density ethylene polymer; Synthetic fiber; Raman spectrometry; Experimental study
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/ma00115a037

Polarized Raman spectroscopic measurements were performed on a uniaxially oriented high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fiber. The second and fourth coefficients of the orientation distribution function, < P sub 2 (cos theta ) > and < P sub 4 (cos theta ) > , respectively have been quantitatively determined from the scattering intensities of the bands at 1130 and 1418 cm exp -1 . This work represents the first quantitative determination of the orientation parameters for a HDPE fiber by Raman spectroscopy. The values of < P sub 2 (cos theta ) > calculated from the Raman experiments are shown to be in excellent agreement with the calculated value obtained by x-ray diffraction.