Reports: G7
46770-G7 Modeling the Crystallization of Polymers from Solutions and Melts
The goal of this project is to understand the nucleation of crystalline domains in linear and branched polymers, using different simulation methods.
During the course of the last year, simulation work was integrated with experimental work performed by Dr. Rufina Alamo and her group. In particular, we focused on the practical problem of TREF, CRYSTAF and solution-DSC experiments to analyze copolymer composition. The processes of nucleation and crystallization of domains between branches play a key role, in this technique. While the theory developed for CRYSTAF and solution-DSC shows some promise, it still needs some work to make it completely quantitative. Using TREF and GPC characterization to study a high performance metallocene ethylene-hexene copolymer film-grade resin, we developed an understanding of the molecular and branching distribution.
