Preparation of High-Crystallinity Polyethylene at Low Pressures

The preparation of highly crystalline polyethylene at low pressures is reported. With careful control of the substrate, the melting and crystallization schedule, and the physical state of the specimen (film thickness), it is possible to prepare polyethylene having a density in excess of 0.999 gram per cubic centimeter, a melting temperature of approximately 140 degrees C, and a heat of fusion in excess of 70 calories per gram. The approach appears to be general and should be applicable to a wide variety of polymers.