Abstract
The effect that side-chain groups exerts on the crystallization of a series of random ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVAL) copolymers and some of their hydrolyzed derivatives was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The variation of the polyethylene (PE) crystalline lattice due to the substitution of bulky acetate groups by hydroxyl ones while maintaining constant the rest of structural variables of the polymers (molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, side group distribution, etc.) is discussed in the light of the expansion of the a and b- unit cell parameters and the variation of the crystallite width. It has been confirmed, in accordance with earlier results, that acetate groups are rejected from the crystalline lattice, while hydroxyl groups are able to enter on an equilibrium basis. Finally, crystallinity and melting temperatures of the terpolymers are shown to be independent of the hydroxyl group content. *Dedicated to Prof. Francisco J. Baltá Calleja on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
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