ABSTRACT The determination of orientation in fibers is complicated due to the shape of the fibers. Unlike films which are continuously flat, fibers are typically cylindrical and intimate contact with the internal reflection element is not practical. An ATR spectroscopic method was developed which obviates these problems. A series of polypropylene fibers was analyzed by this method and orientation fractions and the Hermans orientation function were determined. It was found that the macromolecular orientation along the fiber long-axis increased sharply as the fiber denier and diameter decreased.
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