The X‐ray diffraction, birefringence, and infrared dichroism of stretched polyethylene. II. Generalized uniaxial crystal orientation

A general method for describing the crystal orientation in a uniaxially oriented crystalline polymer is presented. It is shown that two orientation functions may be quantitatively evaluated from x‐ray diffraction data. The variation of these during mechanical and thermal treatment may be studied. These functions are sufficient to completely characterize the crystal contribution to birefringence and infrared dichrosim. By subtracting the crystal contribution from the total birefringence or dichroism, the amorphous orientation may be characterized.