New supramolecular crystalline polymer structure of syndiotactic polystyrene

Abstract

AbstractSemi-crystalline polymers such as polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene are known to yield lamellar meso-structures through macromolecular chain folding upon solidification from the molten state. The lamellae typically assemble to form microscopic spherulitic or ‘shish-kebab’ super structures depending on the cooling condition being either quiescent or induced during flow. Cooling experiments with concentrated solutions of syndiotactic polystyrene, however, unexpectedly yielded a novel microscopic superstructure resembling a ‘bird nest’. These super structures can be made reproducibly under specific conditions. They reflect the impact of a chiral centre on the molecular organisation on the meso and micro level during a solidification process.