TRANSCRYSTALLINITY EFFECTS IN THIN POLYMER-FILMS - EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL APPROACH

An experimental and theoretical investigation of the overall crystalli zation kinetics of thin polymer films containing transcrystalline regi ons on their surfaces is presented. DSC experiments on polyamide 6-6 s how that typical features of crystallization curves can be associated with the occurrence of transcrystallinity. In order to interpret these experimental results, a theoretical model is built within the frame o f overall crystallization kinetics theories. It makes it possible to c orrelate the thickness of transcrystalline zone both to the crystalliz ation temperature, the shape of the peak and the density of nuclei wit hin the polymer. Computer simulation is also used to describe the diff erent steps of structure development within a thin film containing tra nscrystalline regions.