Structure‐property modifications by fabrication operations

Studies of polymer morphology under ideal conditions approaching equilibrium structures have been shown to be valuable in the development of an understanding of the relationship of properties to structure. Practical fabrication operations do not permit the achievement of equilibrium structures in commercial products and its is therefore necessary to study the effects of processing on the actual structures that result. In addition, an understanding of the effects of processing variables on properties permits the development of fabrication operations which can be directed toward the improvement of properties. Topics covered include the effects of hydrostatic pressure during processing, effects of combinations of pressure and thermal history, relationships between thermal history and crystallization rates in isotactic polymers and the kinetic and morphological effects of flow deformation on crystallizable plastics.