Different crystallization conditions were investigated for syndiotacti
c poly-1,2-(4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene) (P4MPD). The thermal crystallizat
ion is a slow process. At 60 degrees C long times are needed to induce
the structural rearrangements. Much shorter times are necessary for o
riented samples, so that strain-induced crystallization occurs in a fe
w hours. Solvent-induced crystallization produces a crystalline phase
having small and poorly ordered crystallites. The crystallization proc
ess enhances the properties of the polymer, increasing both the modulu
s and the strength. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.