The rise of semicrystalline polymers and why are they still interesting

Scientific research on semicrystalline polymers started before the concept of macromolecules was proposed by Staudinger. Extensive studies have been devoted by generations of scientists to establishing this profoundly complex and impactful field. In this perspective, the establishment of the polymer crystallization field will be briefly reviewed. Discussions on several interesting new developments that emerged in the past two decades will then be presented, followed by the author's view on future outlooks. In addition to the conventional studies on theory, structure, morphology, and phase transformation of semicrystalline polymers, it is believed that newly emerged fields such as biomedical engineering, energy and sustainability, additive manufacturing, and nano science provide both new challenges and opportunities for future polymer crystallization research.