Abstract
Many polymers exhibit highly ordered structures in the solid state. Unlike small molecules, the creation of a polymer crystal requires that a long chain be attached to the growth surface. The effects of chain length, stereochemistry and the method of nucleation of the growth all influence the form of the crystalline phase which is created. A summary of some of the methods which can be used to observe the crystalline order in materials is presented together with some thermal measurements which help to define the balance between ordered and disordered structures in the solids.
Publisher
The Royal Society of Chemistry