Molecular and textural ordering of thermotropic polymers in shear flow

The texture and microstructural order present in mesomorphic polymers and their relation to their macroscopic behavior has been investigated using rheological, optical and dynamic scattering (WAXS and SALS) experiments. Shear orientation is observed under constant rate-of-deformation conditions where this orientation is always parallel to the flow direction. However, the high degree of orientation suggested by optical and SALS measurements is not reflected in the degree of molecular order observed in WAXS experiments. After cessation of flow, a rapid relaxation of stress is observed, while only little microstructural relaxation is found; i.e., the state of orientation is very stable.