In situ observation of lamellar growth in thin films for poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-6-hydroxyhexanoic acid] at a high crystallization temperature of 110 degrees C by atomic force microscopy

In situ imaging of the development on lamellar crystals in thin films for p oly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-10 mol%-6-hydroxyhexanoic acid] was carrie d out at a high crystallization temperature of 110 degreesC by temperature- controlled atomic force microscopy. The microfibril crystals with dimension s of 100-500 nm length, 50-90 nm width and 6-8 nm thickness were observed a t the growth front of lamellae. These microfibril crystals grew along the l ongitudinal direction of lamellae during crystallization. In some cases, ne wly formed microfibril crystal and branching microfibril crystal were obser ved. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.