Briefly explain how each of the following influences the tensile modulus of a semicrystalline polymer and why: (a) molecular weight (b) degree of crystallinity (:1 deformation by drawing (d) annealing ofan undefonned material (e) annealing of a drawn material

(a) Increases

(b) Increases

(c) Increases

(d) Increases

(e) Decreases

Explanation:

The tensile modulus of a semi-crystalline polymer depends on the given factors as:

(a) Molecular Weight:

It increases with the increase in the molecular weight of the polymer.

(b) Degree of crystallinity:

Tensile strength of the semi-crystalline polymer increases with the increase in the degree of crystallinity of the polymer.

(c) Deformation by drawing:

The deformation by drawing in the polymer results in the finely oriented chain structure of the polymer with the greater inter chain secondary bonding structure resulting in the increase in the tensile strength of the polymer.

(d) Annealing of an undeformed material:

This also results in an increase in the tensile strength of the material.

(e) Annealing of a drawn material:

A semi crystalline material which is drawn when annealed results in the decreased tensile strength of the material.