Ultrasonic evaluation and application of oriented polymer rods

Ultrasonic evaluation and application of oriented high density polyethylene (HDPE) rods are presented. Solid state ram extrusion method is used to fab ricate such rods. Ultrasonic measurement results indicate that the ultrason ic signal strength and signal to noise ratio of the oriented HDPE rods are better than those of the non-oriented ones for both longitudinal and shear waves. Viscosity measurements and monitoring of epoxy cure at ambient tempe rature using clad rods consisting of an oriented polymer core and an epoxy cladding are also demonstrated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.