A new concept of lattice strain was developed to explain the origin of the curved edges of polyethylene (PE) single crystals. In the crystallization of PE from poor solvents, the length of critical nucleus generated i...A new concept of lattice strain was developed to explain the origin of the curved edges of polyethylene (PE) single crystals. In the crystallization of PE from poor solvents, the length of critical nucleus generated is rather short. The thin lamellae are thermodynamically unstable especially at high temperature. Thereby, during the growth of PE single crystals an annealing process is going on simultaneously, which results in a reduction of thickness from the center to growing faces of lamellae. It is known that the thinner the single crystals, the bigger the unit-cell dimensions. Consequently, unit-cells in the central part of single crystals formed are somewhat smaller than those in the outer part of the same crystals. In order to fit in with the gradual enlargement of unit-cell dimensions from the center to the edges of single crystals, the lattice planes of a faster growing dominant {110} deform to be a set of parallel arcs of concentric circles. Accordingly, the edge of a slower growing subordinate {200} becomes a part of an ellipse with obvious curvature while the edge of a {110} sector remains almost straight for it is a small part of a large circumference.展开更多
文摘A new concept of lattice strain was developed to explain the origin of the curved edges of polyethylene (PE) single crystals. In the crystallization of PE from poor solvents, the length of critical nucleus generated is rather short. The thin lamellae are thermodynamically unstable especially at high temperature. Thereby, during the growth of PE single crystals an annealing process is going on simultaneously, which results in a reduction of thickness from the center to growing faces of lamellae. It is known that the thinner the single crystals, the bigger the unit-cell dimensions. Consequently, unit-cells in the central part of single crystals formed are somewhat smaller than those in the outer part of the same crystals. In order to fit in with the gradual enlargement of unit-cell dimensions from the center to the edges of single crystals, the lattice planes of a faster growing dominant {110} deform to be a set of parallel arcs of concentric circles. Accordingly, the edge of a slower growing subordinate {200} becomes a part of an ellipse with obvious curvature while the edge of a {110} sector remains almost straight for it is a small part of a large circumference.
