Effect of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Molecular Chains on the Morphology, Crystallization, and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene

The effects of the ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) component of polypropylene (PP) on its rheological properties, crystallization behavior, and solid-state mechanical properties were investigated using various measurement techniques. The terminal relaxation time—determined by measuring the linear viscoelasticity—was increased by adding the UHMW component. The increase in the melt elasticity produced by adding the UHMW component was observed by measuring the steady-state shear flow, although the shear viscosity was not greatly affected. Owing to the long characteristic time of the Rouse relaxation of the UHMW component, PP with the UHMW component formed highly oriented structures through a shear-induced crystallization process. The addition of the UHMW component enhanced the orientation and regularity of crystalline structure for extruded films. Therefore, the Young’s modulus, yield stress, and strength were higher in the PP film containing the UHMW component than in one without the UHMW component, irrespective of the direction of tensile deformation.