Thermodynamics of crystalline linear high polymers. IV. The effect of ethyl, acetate, and hydroxyl side groups on the properties of polyethylene

Abstract

Abstract Copolymers of ethylene with vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and butene‐1 have been investigated by differential thermal analysis. The method of fast heating is used to approximate a zero entropy production heating path. The activity of crystallizable units in the melt, the crystallinity, and the a‐axis spacings are determined and compared with previous results for copolymers of ethylene and propylene and carbon monoxide. Carbonyl and hydroxyl groups form point defects, forming solutions in both the crystalline and amorphous regions. Methyl, ethyl, and acetate groups form large amorphous defects. The maximum melting point of polyethylene is calculated to be 142.6°C.