Research in Undergraduate Institutions: Solid State Coextrusion of Polymers of Complex and Simple Morphologies

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Uniaxial drawing by solid state coextrusion (SSCE) has been shown to impart unusual properties to polymers. These include increased melting point, birefringence and tensile modulus, and negative coefficients of thermal expansion, among others. In one of the most remarkable examples, mats of single crystals of high density polyethylene were drawn to draw ratios of over 200, producing a tensile modulus close to the theoretical maximum. The goal of this research is to extend the fundamental knowledge of a process which can impressively alter the morphology and structure of a polymer to give unusual properties and materials which initially have unusual morphology and properties. Solid state coextrusion will be attempted on nascent polyethylene. The drawing of polymer single crystal mats by the coextrusion process will be undertaken.