Characterization of spherulite boundaries and general observations of solvent action on crystallized polypropylene and polybutene

Abstract

As part of a general study of the electrical properties of thin polymer films swollen by dielectric liquids, the crystallization dynamics, final morphology and the intermediate stages of spherulitic growth in polypropylene and polybutene have been studied, along with the optical effects of solvent action. These studies have helped to clarify the action of an impregnant on a polymer film and to visualize which regions are dissolved by the solvent and hence where it resides after impregnation is completed.