Polymeric crystals are more complex in nature than other materials' crystal structures due to significant structural disorder present. The only comprehensive reference on polymer crystallization, Handbook of Polymer Crystallization provides readers with a broad, in-depth guide on the subject, covering the numerous problems encountered during crystallization as well as solutions to resolve those problems to achieve the desired result. Edited by leading authorities in the field, topics explored include neat polymers, heterogeneous systems, polymer blends, polymer composites orientation induced crystallization, crystallization in nanocomposites, and crystallization in complex thermal processing conditions.

Autorentext

DR. EWA PIORKOWSKA, is Professor and the Head of the
Department of Polymer Structure at the Centre of Molecular and
Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland. Her
research interests include crystallization, structure and
properties of polymers, polymer blends, composites and
nanocomposites.

DR. GREGORY C. RUTLEDGE, is the Lammot du Pont Professor
in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology. His research interests include polymer
science and engineering, statistical thermodynamics, molecular
simulation, and nanotechnology.

Klappentext

International team of experts reviews the latest developments in polymer crystallization

The complexity of polymer crystallization has posed a long-standing challenge to the scientific community, demanding the development and application of a variety of microscopic, calorimetric, and spectroscopic experimental methods. By building our understanding of polymer crystallization, researchers have helped fuel the advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Offering a comprehensive review of the field, Handbook of Polymer Crystallization examines the latest discoveries, helping readers not only understand polymer crystallization, but also take full advantage of the phenomenon in order to design new materials and develop new applications. The book also explores the many problems that can arise during the crystallization process, setting forth tested and proven solutions to achieve desired results.

Handbook of Polymer Crystallization features contributions from an international team of thermoplastic polymer scientists and covers such topics as:

• Experimental techniques for studies of polymer crystallization
• Structure of crystalline polymers, kinetics of nucleation, and growth of the crystalline phase
• Molecular modeling of polymer crystallization and crystallization kinetics
• Crystallization in copolymers, miscible and immiscible polymer blends, and polymer composites
• Crystallization under confinement

• Effect of flow on crystallization
  Figures provided throughout the book help illustrate the core principles and mechanisms of polymer crystallization. In addition, references at the end of each chapter guide readers to the primary literature in order to investigate individual topics in greater depth.

  Examining the most important developments in polymer crystallization, this book is recommended for all thermoplastic polymers researchers, offering them the foundation needed to make their own discoveries.

  Inhalt

Preface xiii

Contributors xv

1 Experimental Techniques 1
Benjamin S. Hsiao, Feng Zuo, and Yimin Mao, Christoph Schick

1.1 Introduction, 1

1.2 Optical Microscopy, 2

1.2.1 Reflection and Transmission Microscopy, 2

1.2.2 Contrast Modes, 2

1.2.3 Selected Applications, 3

1.3 Electron Microscopy, 5

1.3.1 Imaging Principle, 5

1.3.2 Sample Preparation, 6

1.3.3 Relevant Experimental Techniques, 7

1.3.4 Selected Applications, 8

1.4 Atomic Force Microscopy, 9

1.4.1 Imaging Principle, 9

1.4.2 Scanning Modes, 9

1.4.3 Comparison between AFM and EM, 10

1.4.4 Recent Development: Video AFM, 10

1.4.5 Selected Applications, 10

1.5 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, 12

1.5.1 Chemical Shift, 13

1.5.2 Relevant Techniques, 13

1.5.3 Recent Development: Multidimensional NMR, 14

1.5.4 Selected Applications, 14

1.6 Scattering Techniques: X-Ray, Light, and Neutron, 15

1.6.1 Wide-Angle X-Ray Diffraction, 15

1.6.2 Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering, 17

1.6.3 Small-Angle Light Scattering, 19

1.6.4 Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, 21

1.7 Differential Scanning Calorimetry, 22

1.7.1 Modes of Operation, 22

1.7.2 Determination of Degree of Crystallinity, 25

1.8 Summary, 25

Acknowledgments, 26

References, 26

2 Crystal Structures of Polymers 31
Claudio De Rosa and Finizia Auriemma

2.1 Constitution and Confi guration of Polymer Chains, 31

2.2 Conformation of Polymer Chains in Crystals and Conformational Polymorphism, 33

2.3 Packing of Macromolecules in Polymer Crystals, 43

2.4 Symmetry Breaking, 49

2.5 Packing Effects on the Conformation of Polymer Chains in the Crystals: The Case of Aliphatic Polyamides, 50

2.6 Defects and Disorder in Polymer Crystals, 55

2.6.1 Substitutional Isomorphism of Different Chains, 56

2.6.2 Substitutional Isomorphism of Different Monomeric Units, 57

2.6.3 Conformational Isomorphism, 58

2.6.4 Disorder in the Stacking of Ordered Layers (Stacking Fault Disorder), 58

2.7 Crystal Habits, 60

2.7.1 Rounded Lateral Habits, 66

Acknowledgments, 67

References, 67

3 Structure of Polycrystalline Aggregates 73
Buckley Crist

3.1 Introduction, 73

3.2 Crystals Grown from Solution, 75

3.2.1 Facetted Monolayer Crystals from Dilute Solution, 75

3.2.2 Dendritic Crystals from Dilute Solution, 81

3.2.3 Growth Spirals in Dilute Solution, 85

3.2.4 Concentrated Solutions, 92

3.3 Crystals and Aggregates Grown from Molten Films, 94

3.3.1 Structures in Thin Films, 94

3.3.2 Structures in Ultrathin Films, 98

3.3.3 Edge-On Lamellae in Molten Films, 102

3.4 Spherulitic Aggregates, 104

3.4.1 Optical Properties of Spherulites, 105

3.4.2 Occurrence of Spherulites, 108

3.4.3 Development of Spherulites, 110

3.4.4 Banded Spherulites and Lamellar Twist, 116

Acknowledgments, 121

References, 121

4 Polymer Nucleation 125
Kiyoka N. Okada and Masamichi Hikosaka

4.1 Introduction, 126

4.2 Classical Nucleation Theory, 126

4.2.1 Nucleation Rate (I), 126

4.2.2 Free Energy for Formation of a Nucleus G(N), 127

4.2.3 Free Energy for Formation of a Critical Nucleus (G*), 127

4.2.4 Shape of a Nucleus Is Related to Kinetic Parameters, 128

4.2.5 Diffusion, 128

4.3 Direct Observation of Nano-Nucleation by Synchrotron Radiation, 128

4.3.1 Introduction and Experimental Procedure, 128

4.3.2 Observation of Nano-Nucleation by SAXS, 128

4.3.3 Extended Guinier Plot Method and Iteration Method, 129 <p&...