Polymer Engineering Faculty Research

Title

Structural Gradients Developed in Injection Molded Syndiotactic Polystyrene

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2-1996

Abstract

In this experimental research, we investigated the influence of processing history on the development of structural gradients in injection-molded syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS). The structures formed during injection molding of this slow-to-crystallize polymer are explained by the complex interplay between the mechanical history of the sample and the cooling conditions dictated by such variables as mold temperature, cavity geometry, and injection speed. When crystallized under shear, sPS exhibits unusually high preferential chain orientation along the flow direction; this orientation gradually decreases toward the core. The mechanical properties are related to the degree of orientation and crystallinity. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Polymer Science

Volume

60

Issue

5

First Page

669

Last Page

691

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