Studies of rates of spherulite deformation by low‐angle light scattering

The rates of spherulite deformation accompanying the elongation and contraction of polyethylene and the elongation of polybutene‐1 samples have been observed using a low‐angle light scattering technique. The light scattering pattern is obtained using a ruby pulsed laser which is flashed a predetermined time after the extension of the sample. It is found that spherulite deformation occurs in times less than 40 msec. which is less than the time required for the birefringence increase following deformation. Upon retraction, the light scattering pattern becomes symmetrical before the sample length has returned to its initial value. With quenched polybutene‐1, the rapid change in shape of the tight scattering pattern is accompanied by a slower change in intensity occurring over times comparable with that for the birefringence change. This is associated with changes in the crystal structure, orientation, and density within the spherulite following deformation.