Crystallization-induced phase separation in mixtures of model linear and short-chain branched polyethylenes

Masaya Ueda, Richard A. Register

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

The possibility of cocrystallization is investigated in a model system of linear and short-chain branched polyethylene. Both components have low molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution; the branched component, hydrogenated polybutadiene (HBD), contains one ethyl branch per 60-70 backbone carbon atoms. Cocrystallization was not observed even for the most rapid cooling conditions attainable, despite the essentially identical unit cells of the two materials. A combination of microscopy and scattering techniques was used to demonstrate that the HBD and linear polyethylene (LPE) crystallize into separate lamellar stacks. The rapid growth rate of the LPE creates volume-filling spherulites which trap the HBD in micron-size inclusions, within which it subsequently crystallizes on further cooling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)23-36
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Macromolecular Science - Physics
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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