High-temperature quasi-hexagonal phase in the simplest model of a polymer crystal (original) (raw)

Nonparallel Chain Axes in Polymeric Molecular Crystals

Macromolecules, 1998

The crystal structure of two semiflexible dicarboxylic acids forming chains is reported; these compounds are models for the crystal packing of polyesters based on 1,5-or 2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and aliphatic dicarboxilic acids and, more generally, for crystal packing of semiflexible chains containing conformationally blocked aromatic cores along the chain. In both crystal structures, chain axes are not parallel to each other, this unusual feature being connected, seemingly, with the lateral packing of aromatic cores present in the molecules.

The simplest model of polymer crystal exhibiting polymorphism

Almost all the polymer crystals have several polymorphic modifications. Their structure and existence conditions, as well as transitions between them are not understood even in the case of the 'model' polymer polyethylene (PE). For analysis of polymorphism in polymer crystals, we consider the simplest possible model of polymer chain: an extended flat zigzag made of 'united' atoms (replacing CH2-groups in PE chain); the united atoms belonging to different zigzags interact via Lennard-Jones potential. Analysis of potential of interaction between such zigzags allowed to predict the structure of five possible equilibrium lattices in polymer crystal built out of such zigzags. Molecular dynamics simulation of the crystal built out of flexible zigzags showed that, depending on model parameters (dimensions of the zigzag and equilibrium distance of Lennard-Jones potential), one to three of these lattices are stable in bulk at low temperatures. We have determined the model par...

Crystallization and ordering processes in polyhydrocarbons with chemically irregular chains

Journal of Polymer Science Part C: Polymer Symposia, 1967

An x-ray, electroii micrusc.ope, and mecliauical properties study was carried out o i l polyethylerie, isotactic polypropylene, and trans-1,4-polyisopretie (gutla-perch) with differelit degrees of chemical irregularity made by halogeriat.iori reactioii of these regular polymers. Thc gradual distortion of chemical regularity causes a change in crystalline laltice parameters, degeneration of crystalline spherulitic structure, and simplification of siipernioleciilar st,ructures of t,he polymers investigated. The introduction of chemical irregrilarity is analogoiis to supercooliiig of a crystalliiie polymer wilh suitable cliaiige of mechanical propert>ies aiid morphological forms of structures. In the case of guttapercha, ehloritiation i i i films also favors the ~1 to 8 transition within the crystalhe state. I t has been found that stretching of vulcanized samples of chlorogutta-percha at temperatures above its melting point proceeds with an essential change iii internal energy and increase of entropy. A suppositioii has been made about the structure peculiarities of chlorogutta-percha which permit the appearance of such an effect. A total piclure of chaiige of different parameters and properties is giveii from the point of view of gradual transformatioii of t,he stereoregular polymer to an irregular amorphous one.

Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers

2013

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact our Customer Care Department within the 2 Packing of Macromolecules in Polymer Crystals 88 2.1 General Principles, 88 2.2 The Principle of Density (Entropy)-Driven Phase Formation in Polymers, 92 CONTENTS vi CONTENTS 2.3 Symmetry Breaking, 96 2.4 Impact of Chain Folding on Crystal Structure Symmetry, 103 2.5 Frustrated Polymer Crystal Structures, 107 2.6 Chiral Crystallization of Polymers with Helical Chain Conformations, 110 2.7 Packing Effects on the Conformation of Polymer Chains in Crystals: The Case of Aliphatic Polyamides, 113 References, 118 3 Methods in Crystal Structure Determination from X-Ray Diffraction 123

Possible chain conformations in the crystalline state of a series of mesogenic polymers

Macromolecules, 1987

The chain repetition periods in the crystalline state for the series of polymers [-1,4-C6H4C-(C H~= N-N~(C H~-1 , 4-~6 H 4~~~(~H~n~~~O~]~ with n = 8,9, ..., 13 were determined. Through an analysis of the possible chain symmetries satisfying the equivalence principle and on the basis of simple energetic considerations, chain models of these polymers reproducing the experimental periods are outlined. The resulting conformations are such that the elongation axis of the rigid groups-1,4-CsH4C(CHB)=N-N=C(CHB)-1,4-C6H4is significantly displaced from alignment with the chain axis. A proposal for the quantitative evaluation of the chain "waviness" of the polymers studied is presented.

Structure of crystalline polymers with unbranched long side chains

1971

The structure and thermodynamic properties of atactic and isotactic acrylic and methacrylic polymers containing 16-18 carbon atoms in the n-aliphatic side chains, and of ccpolymers of hexadecyl acrylate with isopropyl acrylate were studied by means of x-ray and differential thermal analysis. The crystallization of branched acrylic and methacrylic polymers and of acrylic copolymers proceeds in the form of a hexagonal crystal, regardless of the configuration of the backbone chain. Methods of ordering branched macromolecules are proposed, and the melting points, heats and entropies of fusion determined. The role of flexibility of the backbone chains in ordering and the crystallization processes was determined. I n the case of poly(n-alkyl acrylates) the backbone chain is involved in the crystalline lattice; this is not the case in methacrylates and copolymers of hexadecyl acrylate with isopropyl acrylate. Some similarity war assumed between the structure of biopolymers and synt.hetic branched polymers.

Disordered Chain Conformations of Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) in the High-Temperature Crystalline Form I

Macromolecules, 2004

Model conformations of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chains containing various amounts of helix reversal defects suitable for the high-temperature form I of PTFE have been modeled using semiempirical methods implemented in the Gaussian package, which makes use of the PM3 Hamiltonian. In these disordered conformations, ordered portions of chains in right-and left-handed 15/7 helical conformation succeed each other statistically along the chain. The Fourier transform of model chains containing various amounts of helix reversal defects obtained through the QM approach are then compared with the experimental X-ray fiber diffraction patterns of PTFE. Straight and slim model chains of PTFE containing helix reversal defects may be obtained at a low cost of internal energy and with small lateral encumbrance. For the minimum energy conformers the defect is always localized into a small region involving only 4 -CF 2-units, with the internal variables placed at the junction between the two enantiomorphic portions of chain, deviating only slightly from their average values in the defect-free portions of chains. Two consecutive helix reversals do not interact with each other if they are separated by more than three dihedral angles, and their contributions to internal energy can be considered as additive. The energy cost is ∼2.3 kcal/mol for each reversal. The disordered conformations of PTFE chains account for the X-ray fiber diffraction patterns of form I of PTFE at temperatures higher than 30°C. With increasing temperature an increase of the frequency of helix reversal defects is observed according to predictions of QM energy and Fourier transform calculations.

Three-Dimensional Conformation of Folded Polymers in Single Crystals

Physical Review Letters, 2015

The chain-folding mechanism and structure of semicrystalline polymers have long been controversial. Solid-state (SS) NMR was applied to determine the chain trajectory of 13 C CH 3-labeled isotactic poly(1butene) (iPB1) in form III chiral single crystals blended with nonlabeled iPB1 crystallized in dilute solutions under low supercooling. An advanced 13 C-13 C double-quantum NMR technique probing the spatial proximity pattern of labeled 13 C nuclei revealed that the chains adopt a three-dimensional (3D) conformation in single crystals. The determined results indicate a two-step crystallization process of i) cluster formation via self-folding in the precrystallization stage and ii) deposition of the nanoclusters as a building block at the growth front in single crystals.

Chain configurations in lamellar semicrystalline polymer interphases

Macromolecules, 1986

A mean-field lattice theory is developed to describe the configurations of long-chain molecules at the crystal/amorphous interface in semicrystalline polymers. Chains are assumed to satisfy continuity and space-filing requirements. The theory permits systematic levels of approximation for correlations among neighboring bonds along the chains subject to the interfacial constraints. We consider the two lowest levels of approximation here: (i) single bonds (two segments) or (ii) bond pairs (three segments). Both models predict that approximately 73% of the chains which emerge from the crystal reenter at sites which are immediately adjacent and that the interfacial region should therefore be small, provided the chains are freely flexible. The models predict that the ratio of chain loop8 to ties in the amorphous region is smaller, and the mean lengths are greater, than predicted by random walk models.