Thermal and Rheological Properties of LaRC-TPI 1500 Series Polymers

Abstract

The crystallization behavior and the melt flow properties of two batches of 1500 series LaRC-TPI polymers from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals (MTC) have been investigated. The characterization methods include Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray diffractography and melt rheology. The as-received materials possess initial crystalline melting peak temperatures of 295°C and 305°C, respectively. These materials are less rapidly recrystallizable at elevated temperatures when compared to other semicrystalline thermoplastics. For the samples annealed at temperatures below 330°C, a semicrystalline polymer can be obtained . On the other hand, a purely amorphous structure is realized in the samples annealed at temperatures above 330°C. Isothermal crystallization kinetics were studied by means of the simple Avrami equation. The viscoelastic properties at elevated temperatures below and above T_g values of the polymers were measured. Information with regard to the molecular sizes and distribu tions in these polymers were also extracted from melt rheology.