Effects of chain branching on crystal morphology and structure of polyethylene single crystal

We have successfully grown single crystal from low molecular weight metallocene short chain branched polyethylene (SCBPE) samples. The branching content and crystallization temperatures have a big effect on lateral habits. Lozenge, dendritic, (100) face rounded and disk-like crystal morphologies have been found as branching content increase. The hexane side chain is included in the crystal lattice as suggested from the election diffraction and crystal thickness, for highly branched sample.