Solid phase change controlling the tensile and creep behaviour of gel-spun high-modulus polyethylene fibres

Fibre strength has been determined over a temperature range -175-100 degrees C. The creep studies have revealed changes in behaviour which depend on the applied stress and the temperature. The results of these studies are explained by a change in crystallographic structure from orthorhombic to hexagonal which can take place under certain conditions of temperature and applied stress. It has therefore been possible to determine the applied stress necessary to obtain the change of phase as a function of temperature.Anglai