Deformation of semicrystalline polymers via crystal–crystal phase transition

A classification is given of flexible, semicrystalline polymers based on the early stage deformation behavior in the solid state. The criteria of each category are discussed with experimental evidence from the literature on 17 polymers. The central aim of this classification is to point out the possibility of ductility induced during deformation. The understanding of the induced ductility in a given semicrystalline polymer suggests a systematic route to optimize solid‐state deformation processes for achieving high draw ratios. Copyright © 1988 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.