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Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Crystal nucleation enhanced at the diffuse interface of immiscible polymer blends
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
Summary
Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations reveal enhanced crystal nucleation in immiscible polymer blends near interfaces. This phenomenon, driven by enthalpic factors, offers new insights into polymer crystallization behavior.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Computational Chemistry
Background:
- Immiscible polymer blends exhibit phase separation.
- Crystal nucleation in polymers is crucial for material properties.
- Understanding interfacial effects on polymer crystallization is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate crystal nucleation in immiscible binary polymer blends.
- To determine the factors influencing nucleation enhancement at interfaces.
- To explore the role of enthalpic and entropic contributions.
Main Methods:
- Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations were employed.
- Analysis of polymer blend behavior at the nanoscale.
- Investigation of interfacial thermodynamics.
Main Results:
- Weakly enhanced crystal nucleation was observed near interfaces.
- No preferred crystal orientation was detected.
- The enhancement was primarily enthalpic, not entropic.
Conclusions:
- Local dilution at diffuse interfaces increases the melting point of crystallizable polymers.
- This increase in melting point enhances the thermodynamic driving force for nucleation.
- The findings suggest enthalpic contributions are key to interfacial nucleation enhancement.
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