Oriented polymers from solution. I. A novel method for producing polyethylene films

A novel method for the production of uniaxially oriented polyethylene film is demonstrated, it being an extension of the “surface growth” method for obtaining polyethylene fibers from solution using a Couette apparatus. The film growth is found to be affected by temperature, rotor speed, rotor material, and surface roughness. Together with its possible practical importance, film growth is presented as a useful means of sample preparation and as a way to increased linear fiber growth rates. In addition, its use for studies on solution grown polypropylene fibers is indicated as well as its implications for “surface growth” of polymer crystals in general.