The volume strain changes of plasticized poly(vinylidene fluoride) during tensile and creep tests were characterized. A negative volume strain was observed. This phenomenon was ascribed to compaction taking place during mechanical testing, which further delayed the onset of plastic instability and, therefore, the cavitation process. It was suggested that this compaction was caused by the orientation of amorphous chain segments leading to material densification. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.