13: Crystallinity in polymers
- Page ID
- 7863
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https://www.doitpoms.ac.uk/tlplib/polymers/index.php
Learning Objectives
On completion of this TLP you should:
- Understand the concept of crystallinity in the context of polymeric materials
- Be able to recognise and describe spherulites in semicrystalline polymers
- Understand the mechanical behaviour of a polymer subjected to a uniaxial tensile stress, and the effects this has on the polymer's optical properties.
Before you start
You should be familiar with basic optical microscopy techniques and the concept of birefringence and photoelasticity in polymers. Awareness of X-ray diffraction and mechanical testing techniques would also be beneficial. The TLPs listed below contain useful, relevant material.
- Optical Microscopy and Specimen Preparation
- Introduction to Photoelasticity
- X-Ray Diffraction
- Introduction to Mechanical Testing
- The Stiffness of Rubber
- The Glass Transition in Polymers