Deformation Behavior of Isotactic Polystyrene

The deformation behavior of a model semi crystalline polymer with a well known rhombohedral crystal structure has been examined. As a direct consequence of its slow crystallization rate, isotactic polystyrene, the stereoregular analog of atactic polystyrene, may be prepared as an amorphous glass or as a semi-crystalline polymer with a desired morphology. Study of the crystal structure prior to and following uniaxial compression is accomplished through the use of a microdiffractometer, with a beam size small enough to permit examination of different regions of the deformed cylinder. Changes in both the mechanical deformation behavior and the crystalline scattering pattern have been examined to elucidate the effects of the crystalline component of isotactic polystyrene upon the overall properties of the polymer.