Mesomechanics of plastic deformation and fracture of partially crystalline polyethylene

From the standpoint of physical mesomechanics, we have investigated plastic deformation mechanisms and the mechanical properties of partially crystalline polyethylene. We show that from the very beginning, plastic deformation occurs at the mesoscopic level. Fracture is preceded by fragmentation of the material. The observed stages of the process of plastic deformation of polyethylene are qualitatively similar to the stages of this process for metallic materials. The effect of electron bombardment on the mechanical properties of polyethylene is explained by the size reduction in the mesoscopic substructure formed on plastic deformation.