The structures of poly(vinyl fluoride) at elevated temperatures and after heavy rolling

The structures of poly(vinyl fluoride), (P(VF)), were investigated at elevated temperatures and after heavy rolling at various temperatures. In the former case the marked increases in both crystallite size and the unit cell a‐dimension above 140°C were accompanied by a reduction in crystallinity, indicating a melting and recrystallization process. When compared to the polyethylenes, thermal behavioural differences may be attributed to the polarity of the P(VF) molecules. Notable changes in deformation structure were obtained upon varying the rolling temperature. Above 60°C heavy rolling produced a hexagonal {1010} 〈0001〉 texture, the paracrystallites having a clearly oriented lamellar structure. At 60°C and below more complex textures were produced, the microparacrystallites of the predominant component having a platy morphology. At −80°C, the deformation structure also showed extensive voiding.