Shrinkage as a measure of the deformation efficiency of ultra-oriented high density polyethylene

A simple test is described that allows the evaluation of the molecular extension in solid state extruded high density polyethylene at maximum extrusion draw ratio 36. The samples, which were prepared by shaving the extrudates to films of average thickness 0.4 mm, were melted very rapidly and shrunk at 160° C. Experimental evidence shows that at high heating rates (800° C min⁻¹) all the molecular extension is recovered elastically. The variation of shrinkage with molecular weight indicates a difference in the molecular extension produced during the extrusion, and a simple relationship between molecular draw ratio and modulus is considered.