Orientation dynamics of small additive molecules in polymeric films during hot-stretching was investigated by using birefringence analysis and polarized Fourier-transfer infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Birefringence data indicated parallel orientation of the small molecules to main chain of the matrix polymer. Furthermore, polarized FT-IR spectra demonstrated that the ratio of orientation functions of rigid and flexible portions in hexa-methylene naphthalate oligomer showed temperature dependence. The result suggests that the small molecules exhibit two-step orientation in the matrix polymer during stretching.
- Shogo Nobukawa
- Yoshihiko Aoki
- Masayuki Yamaguchi
