Abstract
Stacks of crystalline lamellae all having a uniquely oriented hexagonal shape, referred to as “3D (three-dimensional) single crystals”, were obtained via isothermal crystallization of isotactic polystyrene at a temperature close to the melting point. The height of the stacks of lamellae reached several micrometers corresponding to hundreds of superposed lamellar crystals. We propose that the mechanism of self-induced nucleation allowed propagating the orientation of the basal lamellar crystal to all other lamellae in the stack. The unique orientation of all lamellae was reflected by the preference of cracks to form along the diagonals of the hexagonal stack. Cracks were caused by a mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the substrate and “3D single crystals” during quenching from the crystallization temperature to room temperature. We believe that the presented growth mechanisms leading to “3D single crystals” can be observed for all crystallizable polymers including block copolymers with a noncrystallizable block.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
