Characterization of crystallinity,orientation, and mechanical properties in biaxially stretched poly(p-phenylene sulfide) films

In this paper, we describe the preparation and structural characterization of biaxially oriented poly(p-phenylene sulfide) (PPS) films. These films were prepared in a biaxial stretching machine at various stretching temperatures, rates, and stretching ratios. Selected samples were constrained annealed at elevated temperatures. The state of orientation was determined by wide angle X-ray diffraction (pole figure determination) and birefringence measurements. The results are expressed in terms of the biaxial orientation functions (?,?). Mechanical properties (tensile modulus, tensile strength, and elongation to break) were obtained as a function of processing conditions and direction in the plane of the films.