Nanostrukturierte teilkristalline Polymerwerkstoffe
Generation of crystals of different morphology and thermodynamic stability in isotactic polypropylene
Isotactic polypropylene is a semi-crystalline polymer, in which the crystalline phase can adopt different structures. These include mesomorphic and monoclinic phases which form on rapid and slow melt-crystallization, respectively. Additionally, the size and shape of crystals depend largely on the condition of crystallization.
In the present research, we analyze the morphology and thermodynamic stability of crystals of isotactic polypropylene as a function of the path of crystallization, mainly using atomic force microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. As a major result of this research, we are able to produce crystals of largely different shape, size, surface and bulk structures, which finally allows controlled tailoring of thermal, mechanical and optical properties.
Relevant publications
Zia, Q.; Androsch, R.; Radusch, H.-J.; Piccarolo S.
Morphology, reorganization and stability of mesomorphic nanocrystals in isotactic polypropylene
Polymer 47, 8163-8172 (2006).
Zia, Q.; Radusch, H.-J.; Androsch, R.
Direct analysis of annealing of nodular crystals in isotactic polypropylene by atomic force microscopy, and its correlation with calorimetric data
Polymer 48, 3504-3511 (2007).
Androsch, R.
In situ Atomic Force Microscopy of the Mesomorphic–Monoclinic Phase Transition in Isotactic Polypropylene
Macromolecules 41, 531-533 (2008).
Zia, Q.; Androsch, R.; Radusch, H.-J.; Ingolic, E.
Crystal morphology of rapidly cooled isotactic polypropylene: A comparative study by TEM and AFM
Polymer Bulletin 60, 791-798 (2008).
