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The influence of strain rate on the deformation induced crystal transition from forms II to I of Polybutene-1 is investigated by in situ Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction at different temperatures. The structural evolution during the subsequent stress relaxation is further monitored. As strain rate increases, the phase transition rate decreases apparently, while the dependence on stress and strain also becomes weak. The phase transition during deformation with three strain rates shows consistent dependence on external work. The transition rate in terms of form I content drops instantly when stretching stops. Further analysis on the evolution of crystallinity and orientations of both forms II and I shows that a small amount of recrystallization occurs in form II during stress relaxation at 80 °C, accompanied by a continuous increase in the content of form I, which further confirms occurrence of deformation induced melting and recrystallization. Structural evolution of Polybutene-1 during the deformation induced phase transition from forms II to I and the following stress relaxation process is investigated by in situ Synchrotron Radiation Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (SR-WAXD). During the tensile with different strain rate, the phase transition rates show consistent dependence on external work. After deformation at 80 oC, crystallinity of unstable form II increase inversely, while the phase transition from forms II to I continues at a slower rate. The full cycle consideration provides a more comprehensive basis for the use of materials. [Display omitted] • The structural evolution of Polybutene-1 during stress relaxation is first considered. • The phase transition rates during deformation with three strain rates show consistent dependence on external work. • Recrystallization of unstable form II is found during stress relaxation after deformation at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work extension induced crystallization of end-linked polyethylene oxide (PEO) network was investigated with in-situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and rheological measurement. The coupling between crystallinity and stress of crosslinked network makes the morphology time dependent. With a large strain the structure evolution in the stretched network is found to follow a two-stage process: i) crystals with high numerical density and small dimension form first, which laterally correlate with adjacent ones; ii) continuous melting and fusing of adjacent crystal happen after the first nucleation stage, leading to increase of crystal dimension and stability. Decreasing strain a gradual transformation to normal lamellae formation is found. Strain tuned confinement and crystallization induced confinement release is supposed to induce the structural change. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]