Influence of the molecular weight on mechanical behavior and associated strain-induced structural evolution of Poly(ethylene 2, 5-furandicarboxylate) upon biaxial stretching. (5th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stoclet, G.; Xu, S.; Gaucher, V.; Tahon, J.F.; van Berkel, S.; Arias, A.; Rogeret, C.; Nourichard, R.; de Vos, S.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 217(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-05
• Subjects: Biaxial stretching -- Poly(ethylene 2, 5-furandicarboxylate) -- Macromolecular orientation -- Crystallization -- Barrier properties; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123441
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: The mechanical behavior of Poly(ethylene 2, 5-furandicarboxylate) upon biaxial stretching and the associated strain-induced structural evolution is studied in the light of its molecular weight. Besides it is shown that the increase of molecular weight favors strain-induced crystallization (SIC) and that SIC in PEF occurs when a critical molecular orientation ratio is achieved. The earlier occurrence of SIC in the case of the higher macromolecular weight is explained by the faster macromolecular orientation due to a more robust entanglement network. Regarding the mechanical behavior, it appears that a strain-hardening stage is observed whatever the molecular weight, this stage originates from both macromolecular orientation and formation of crystals upon stretching. Finally, it is shown that biaxial orientation (BO) has a positive effect on both oxygen barrier properties and mechanical properties. Particularly it was highlighted that, while as-cast PEF is brittle, BO PEF films are ductile when a critical biaxial draw ratio is achieved. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Molecular weight influence the mechanical behavior of PEF upon biaxial stretching. The increase of the molecular weight favors strain-induced crystallization. The mechanical behavior is driven by macromolecular orientation. Biaxial stretching induced a brittle to ductile transition. Macromolecular orientation and crystallinity improves water vapor barrier properties.