Nanostructure evolution during the straining cycle

The second column shows the bristle in the relaxed state after the previous elongation. We observe a system of lamellar stacks with some orientation distribution about the meridian. Released from 140%, for the first time this orientation distribution of the bi-domains appears to be bimodal, with maxima of the preferential layer orientation at the meridian (0 ) and at 47°. There are no tri-domains with layer shape any more. 

The third column shows the lattice peaks in the strained state. The long periods of the microfibrillar component (1) and of the tilted layers (2) are the most prominent features. Several higher orders are present. At = 140%, we observe both a long period of microfibrils under tension (3) and a long period of relaxed microfibrils (4). 

The fourth column shows the arrangement of long periods in the relaxed state. Up to the second order, the long periods are clear and continuous, indicating an orientation distribution of lamellar stacks that contain no more than three layers. 

Whether really filled lamellae or only assembhes of blocks are observed cannot be deduced from the presented scattering data. In the latter case, a rotation of a lamella could be performed by a more probable process of progressive displacement of adjacent blocks in the straining direction. 

Studying the relationship between the macro- (or the external deformation denoted by s) and the microdeformation on a nano-level, expressed by the change of the long spacing L, in accordance with previous observations, the existence of three typical deformation ranges was established. Within the lowest range (up to 10% for PBT and 80% for PEE), the deformation obeys the affine 

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Figure 14 presents nanostructure evolution during the straining cycle as revealed in the CDF for high elongation (250% < e < 510%). For the strained state, the first column reveals the transition from a macrolattice with hexagonal... 

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