Depolarized light and differential thermal analyses of some polyolefin transitions

The depolarized light intensity (DLI) technique detec's transitions in birefringent materials by simultaneously measuring sample temperature and intensity of polarized light roatated by the sample. Most polyolefins in the solid state rotate 30–40% of the polarized light. At any temperature at which the sample exhibits an ordered state, some rotation occurs. Temperatures of transitions and changes in refractive index can be determined in this way. Many of these transitions can also be followed by the well‐known method of differential thermal analysis (DTA). A comparison of DLI and DTA curves of polyethylene, polypropylene, mixtures of these polymers, and block copolymers of ethylene and propylene shows the two techniques to be complementary and of use in determining the physical behavior of these polymers. Instrumentation and system variables of the DLI technique are discussed.