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Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Homogeneous crystal nucleation triggered by spinodal decomposition in polymer solutions
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 210093, Nanjing, China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|September 14, 2007
Summary
Prior spinodal decomposition in polymer solutions enhances crystal nucleation. This process leads to a larger population of polymer crystallites with more uniform sizes and better spatial homogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Polymer crystallization is crucial for material properties.
- Understanding nucleation processes is key to controlling polymer morphology.
- Spinodal decomposition is a phase separation phenomenon in solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of prior spinodal decomposition on polymer crystal nucleation.
- To analyze the kinetic phase diagrams of crystal nucleation under these conditions.
- To compare the resulting crystallite characteristics with those formed without prior phase separation.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations were employed.
- Simulations focused on polymer solutions undergoing spinodal decomposition.
- Structure factor evolution was analyzed over time.
Main Results:
- Kinetic phase diagrams for homogeneous crystal nucleation were observed to be horizontal below theoretical liquid-liquid spinodal crossovers.
- Spinodal decomposition was evident in the early stages of crystal nucleation upon quenching.
- Prior spinodal decomposition led to a larger population of polymer crystallites with more uniform sizes and improved spatial homogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Spinodal decomposition significantly influences polymer crystal nucleation kinetics and morphology.
- This approach offers a method to control crystallite size distribution and spatial arrangement.
- Chain folding within crystallites appears minimally affected by the preceding spinodal decomposition.
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