In situ FTIR spectroscopic study on crystallization process of isotactic polystyrene

Abstract

The melt crystallization process of isotactic polystyrene (i-PS) was studied by means of in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, with a focus on the conformational changes during the induction period. The spectra obtained during the induction period suggested the occurrence of some ordered structure that is characterized by higher regularity and packing of the helical moieties than observed in the melt. This ordered structure was clearly different from the amorphous structure, and close to the crystal structure. The Avrami analysis indicated that the formation process of the ordered structure at the late stage of the induction period is similar to the growth process of the crystallites after the induction period. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1227–1233, 1998