Sachin Shanbhag, Florida State University
The goal of this project is to understand the nucleation of crystalline domains in linear and branched polymers, using different simulation methods. Based on integrated simulation and experimental work performed in collaboration with Dr. Rufina Alamo and collaborators from ExxonMobil, we focused on the practical problem of CRYSTAF and solution-DSC simulations to analyze copolymer composition. The processes of nucleation and crystallization of domains between branches play a key role, in this technique. We developed a mechanistic mean-field numerical model which captures all of the expected trends qualitatively. However, it still needs further work to be more quantitative. Microscopic simulations on branched polymers in solution are currently underway, and will hopefully be concluded by the end of the 2010.
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