SIMULATION OF POLYMER CRYSTALLIZATION THROUGH A DYNAMIC MONTE-CARLO LATTICE MODEL

A simulation approach to polymer crystallization is presented. The mol ecules approach crystallization through a compact globule state. The s imulation shows that individual molecules acquire a lamellar conformat ion, even before interacting to form a crystal. The lamellar thickness is considerably smaller than in the most stable state, in agreement w ith the experimental observations. The lamellar thickness is observed to decrease as a function of the temperature of simulation, also in ag reement with the experimental observations.