Small‐angle light scattering by random assemblies of incomplete spherulites. Systems with partial degree of volume filling

Abstract

SynopsisA theory is presented to account for the effect of the impingement of growing spherulites on their H, small-angle light scattering patterns. The theory is developed on the basis of results of computer-simulated two-dimensional spherulite growth and calculated scattered intensities. The impingement produces a lowering of the intensity of the scattering maximum and the diminishing of the overall sharpness of the scattering peak. The extent of these effects increases with area fraction of spherulites. A procedure is suggested for determining correction factors that may be applied to intensity data obtained during the course of spherulite crystallization. An interpretation is made of the type of average spherulite size determined from the scattering angle of maximum intensity.

Crystalline and supermolecular structure of polylactide in relation to the crystallization method

“…The mean spherulite size obtained from the SALS method is larger than that determined directly from the LM images. This is because the SALS‐determined size is the sixth‐order momentum average characterizing the largest spherulites,17, 18 whereas in LM experiments, the first‐order momentum is measured.…”