Mimicking Polymer Processing Conditions on the Meso-Scale: Relaxation and Crystallization in Polyethylene Systems after Uni- and Biaxial Stretching.

Highly varying process conditions drive polymers into nonequilibrium molecular conformations. This has direct implications for the resulting structural and mechanical properties. This study rigorously investigated processing-property relations from a microscopic perspective.

Initial Crystallization Effects in Coarse-Grained Polyethylene Systems After Uni- and Biaxial Stretching in Blow-Molding Cooling Scenarios.

This study investigates the initial stage of the thermo-mechanical crystallization behavior for uni- and biaxially stretched polyethylene. The models are based on a mesoscale molecular dynamics approach. We take constraints that occur in real-life polymer processing into account, especially with respect to the blowing stage of the extrusion blow-molding process.

Investigation of Crystallization and Relaxation Effects in Coarse-Grained Polyethylene Systems after Uniaxial Stretching.

In this study, we investigate the thermo-mechanical relaxation and crystallization behavior of polyethylene using mesoscale molecular dynamics simulations. Our models specifically mimic constraints that occur in real-life polymer processing: After strong uniaxial stretching of the melt, we quench and release the polymer chains at different loading conditions. These conditions allow for free or hindered shrinkage, respectively.