Tensile tests of polypropylene monitored by SAXS. Comparing the stretch‐hold technique to the dynamic technique

Advanced instrumentation at synchrotron beamlines facilitates considerable reduction of the exposure required for the recording of low‐noise small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) patterns. Concerning the monitoring of tensile tests on polymer materials by SAXS means that change‐over from the stretch‐hold technique to more practical dynamic straining is possible, although the strain rate is still by a factor of 100 lower than that relevant in industry and service. As hard‐elastic polypropylene (PP) is tested, considerably different scattering patterns are recorded after switching to the dynamic technique. Even though during exposure the elongation is no longer constant when applying the dynamic technique, the images collected in stretch‐hold technique appear much more blurred. The observed immediate relaxation of nanostructure induced by stopping the extensometer is analyzed by means of the multidimensional chord distribution function (CDF): The extension of the crystalline lamellae is increasing. Their thicknesses are becoming non‐uniform. The range of order is shortening. Cross‐hatched lamellae are formed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 721–726, 2008