The crystalline modifications and the morphology and structure of J-1 polymer spherulites

Abstract

The J-1 polymer (Poly(bis 4, 4' dicyclohexylmethane)n-dodecanediamide) (E. I. du Pont)has a well defined chain structure in which cyclohexyl groups and intermolecular hydrogen bonds make the chains rigid. This results in a high melting point for this polymer in the range of 290°C. However, there is also some flexibility in the chains of this polymer due to the -(CH2)10- segments and -(CH2)- groups between every two cyclohexyl groups along the chains. The combination of rigidity and flexibility in the J-1 polymer would lead to a variety of morphologies. In order to varify this we have studied the morphology and structure of the J-1 polymer crystallized from solution.Thin films of J-1 polymer with single crystals and six different kinds of spherulites were prepared by evaporation of solvent from am-cresol solution of J-1 polymer at temperatures of 160°-210°C. The thin films were examined in both polarizing and electron microscopes. A Philips 430 electron microscope was used at 200, 250 or 300 kV accelerating voltages.