PMSE 35 |
| At least one dimension of the fundamental structure of all polymers, on the hierarchical size scale larger than the repeat distance and unit cell, is on the order of 100 Ĺ; hence these days the label “nano”. This includes coil size in solution and melt, and morphology of both crystalline and block polymers. For study of morphology, the principle techniques, until recently, have been transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle x-ray diffraction, with polymer TEM being the "art of producing interpretable artifacts" as well as resulting in a form of art. Having been shown chain folded polyethylene single crystals while interviewing at DuPont nearly 52 years ago, we will summarize and represent some half century of morphology research, and the resulting art. Particular emphasis will be placed on early observations with implications on various current crystallizable polymer morphology proposals including chain folding regularity, crystal nucleation and growth, molecular mobility in the melt and thin film crystallization. |
|
50 Years after the Discovery of Polymer Single Crystals: A Look Back, Current Discoveries and Future Opportunities
8:30 AM-11:55 AM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Alcott, Oral
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering |