The effect of nucleation density on the kinetics of crystallization and on the resulting structure and thermal properties of polymers crystallized during cooling

Following up the previous studies on this topic [1] it is verified that in the course of crystallization of polyethylene melts taking place during cooling, the number of predetermined nuclei initiating crystallization influences not only the scale of the spherulitic texture in the fully crystallized sample, but also the thickness of the lamellae and through it the melting behaviour of the final product and this in a predictable manner. Extending the scope of the previous study [1] these results were now obtained in samples in which the nucleation density was systematically altered, with all other relevant variables kept constant. The investigation thus demonstrates the previously unsuspected subtleties which can influence the structure and properties of samples which have been crystallized non-isothermally. It also provides an example for the complementary use of different techniques such as light scattering, optical microscopy, DSC calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy, for the purposes in question.