Features of the hedritic morphology of β-isotactic polypropylene studied by atomic force microscopy

D. Trifonova, Jozsef Varga, Gottfried W. Ehrenstein, Gyula J. Vancso

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Abstract

The lamellar organization of melt-crystallized β-isotactic polypropylene was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) after permanganic etching. Hedritic objects grown at a high crystallization temperature (140-143 °C) were investigated. Essential features of the hedritic development were revealed by the characteristic projections exposed at the sample surface. A three-dimensional view of the morphology was obtained by AFM. Hedritic growth proceeded mainly by branching around screw dislocations resulting in new lamellae that further developed. Successive lamellar layers often diverged. Deviation from the planar lamellar habit was observed, varying with the position within the hedrite. Twisting of the lamellae also was observed occasionally in the vicinity of the screw dislocations.
Original languageUndefined
Pages (from-to)672-681
JournalJournal of polymer science. Part B: Polymer physics
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Atomic Force Microscopy
  • lamella curving and splaying
  • hedrites
  • IR-71625
  • Isotactic beta polypropylene

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