Precursors of crystallization via density fluctuations in stiff-chain polymers

Abstract

The ordering process just before cold crystallization for a stiff-chain polymer is studied by means of simultaneous real time wide- and small-angle x-ray scattering and dielectric spectroscopy techniques. The kinetics of the ordering process prior to crystallization is described by the spinodal decomposition formalism. From wide-angle x-ray scattering measurements it is confirmed that no crystalline order takes place during the induction period. The dielectric study of the α relaxation suggests that during this induction period there is not a major restriction of segmental motions of polymer chain segment