QUIESCENT POLYMER CRYSTALLIZATION - MODELING AND MEASUREMENTS

The problem of predicting nonisothermal crystallization kinetics based on isothermal data is considered, with reference to the difficulties involved, both experimental and theoretical. The kinetic model used is the differential form of the Nakamura equation which is an extension of the Avrami equation so as to apply to nonisothermal crystallization. Nonisothermal induction times are obtained from isothermal induction times according to the concept of induction time index. The theory of Hoffman and Lauritzen is used to extrapolate the limited isothermal crystallization rate data. Good agreement between DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) nonisothermal crystallinity results and model predictions is obtained for our own data on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and some literature data on nylon-6, if the temperature lag between the sample and the DSC furnace is taken into account. The advantages of the present approach in process modeling are pointed out. Quenching experiments have also been performed in which PET slabs are allowed to cool and crystallize from the melt under quiescent conditions. The resulting crystallinity distributions in the thickness direction are measured and predicted by using kinetic parameter values obtained from isothermal DSC measurements alone.