ISSN:
0098-1273
Keywords:
Physics
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
Neutron scattering data for melt-crystallized polyethylene have been analyzed in order to clarify to what extent the chain folding is randomly reentrant. No attempt has been made to specify the molecular conformation in every detail, and the emphasis is on distinguishing between different classes of conformation. The most random folding corresponded to a model where the folding is imposed solely by the criterion of the chain segments moving the least possible distance during the crystallization process (a “freezing-in” model). This has been shown not to be compatible with published data. For this model analytic calculations are possible based on the projection of a three-dimensional Gaussian distribution onto a plane. A subunit model is then proposed which requires substantial local rearrangement of the chain as it folds during crystallization, but where the distribution of the subunits within the whole molecule is imposed by the preexisting Gaussian chain of the melt. Arguments based on space filling considerations are invoked, with the postulate of a surface structure which is neither crystalline nor truly amorphous. Anything approaching a random switchboard model (e.g., the freezing-in model which we consider) is contrary to both space filling considerations and to the comparison of observed and calculated neutron scattering. The analytical calculation which was performed for the freezing-in model was employed so as to simplify calculations for the subunit model. For scattering intensities over a wide range of scattering angle it is deduced that only the structure within the subunit need be considered. Numerical computer calculations involving only a small number of stems were then carried out for a number of different subunit structures, and some general features are noted which restrict the type of model which can explain the data. As in previously published analyses, a very high proportion of adjacent folds is not compatible with the results. A row model for the stems within a molecule can achieve good agreement, either with straight rows or with a certain amount of “stagger” incorporated. Up to about 40% of the folds could be adjacent. Models based on two-dimensional random walks did not give good agreement.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pol.1982.180200401
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