Rate-Theory Model of Polymer Crystallization

Abstract

A new lattice model of polymer crystallization is described. Results of numerical solutions of rate equations for crystallization of a two-dimensional "crystal" are presented. It is shown that the crystal thickness varies inversely with supercooling and that kinetics similar to secondary nucleation occurs. This is true even though the growth face is intrinsically rough and hence there cannot be any nucleation. The presence of a low-entropy saddle point during growth is explained, and its influence on the crystal thickness and lamellar morphology is discussed.