Lecture
This lecture explores the crystalline phase in polymeric materials, focusing on the characterization and kinetics of crystallization. Topics covered include the structure of polymer crystals, the nucleation and growth process, the Avrami equation for crystallization kinetics, and the influence of molecular weight on crystallization. The lecture also delves into the thermodynamics of crystallization, methods for measuring the degree of crystallinity, and the factors influencing polymer crystallization. Additionally, the lecture discusses the crystallization of polymers from dilute solution, the importance of intermolecular interactions, and the impact of structural irregularities on the crystallization process.