AbstractLow‐angle x‐ray scattering data are used to deduce the morphology of oriented polymeric films. Generally, the structural models proposed to explain these patterns have been extrapolations of observations made from solution‐grown polymer single crystals or from highly crystalline bulk polymers. These models and explanations may not be applicable broadly to oriented systems having only modest amounts of crystallinity or to those generated from precursor states that are grossly different. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was chosen as a model polymer system for study. A systematic series of uniaxially and biaxially deformed films were produced from this polymer, made from the initially glassy or crystalline states. The low‐angle x‐ray scattering patterns generated from these films were studied as a function of (a) the sequence of deformation, (b) the precursor structure, (c) molecular orientation, and (d) the direction of observation. Optical diffraction and model structures were used to aid in the interpretation of the morphology produced. At least three different‐sized domains are developed upon deformation, ranging from that of the unit cell (about 10 Å) to large laminar domains of average size 2,000 Å × 10,000 Å. This structure is shown to be substantially different from that developed in an oriented po
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