On the conformation and the crystalline structure of an ethylene‐chlorotrifluoroethylene alternating copolymer

Abstract

AbstractThe conformation and the packing of the chains of the alternating ethylene‐chlorotrifluoro‐ethylene copolymer (ECTFE), in the crystalline phase, are investigated by X‐ray diffraction analysis, by calculations of the conformational energy and by calculations of the Fourier‐transforms of models. These analyses suggest that the crystalline form of ECTFE is a mesomorphic form, with a pseudo‐hexagonal packing of the axes of nearly trans‐planar chains (interchain distances of 5,69 Å) and a nearly complete translational and rotational disorder along the chain axis.