Microstructural characteristics of micro-injection molded thermoplastics

A micro-injection molding machine was used to obtain micro-moldings of polyethylene, in order to study the effects of processing conditions on some microstructural characteristics of the moldings. The processing variables were estimated, based on experimental data and on simulation results. Polarized light microscopy was used to evaluate morphology. Three-dimensional distribution of shrinkage was measured. Micro-mechanical properties (modulus and hardness) were measured with a nanoindenter. The microstructure and properties will be explained in light of the thermo-mechanical history.