Three-Dimensional Structure Formation of Polypropylene Revealed by in Situ Scanning Force Microscopy and Nanotomography

Abstract

A detailed model for the three-dimensional growth of a screw dislocation and a γ-branching of a lamella of elastomeric polypropylene (ePP) is proposed. The crystallization of a thin film was followed with in situ scanning force microscopy (SFM). Nucleation and growth of individual defects were observed with high temporal and spatial resolution. To identify the three-dimensional volume structure, the defects were examined with nanotomography, which is a layer-by-layer imaging technique based on SFM.

Nucleation of branches in elastomeric polypropylene

“…Furthermore, chains which are built into lamella B are shifted towards lamella A during the growth in z-direction. The growth in z-direction and the depletion zone next to a crystal has been confirmed by our previous work [15]. This leads to a tilted growth of lamella B and the formation of a kink (Fig.…”

“…The experiments included in situ SFM observations of the crystal growth of the polymer and imaging the volume structure by nanotomography [14] after crystallization was completed [15]. In this work we want to present a mechanism which explains the real crosshatching found in many experiments based on real-time crystallization observations and nanotomography.…”

Critical parameters controlling the properties of monolithic poly(lactic acid) foams prepared by thermally induced phase separation

“…Yet, the ultimate driving force is still an open question . Growth at screw dislocations may cause thickening along c ‐axis perpendicular to the lamellae to produce lamellar stacks . In Figures (b) and (b), spherulite precursor axialites are observed.…”

“…56 Growth at screw dislocations may cause thickening along c-axis perpendicular to the lamellae to produce lamellar stacks. 57 In Figures 6(b) and 8(b), spherulite precursor axialites are observed. Splaying and branching of lamellar stacks at growth tips produce axialites, which can further evolve into fully developed volume filling spherulites by the repetition of the lamellar branching processes.…”

Crystal Growth Study of Nano-Zeolite by Atomic Force Microscopy

“…There are some disadvantages for these techniques because they are limited to a surface view of a sample. Hence, extreme care has to be taken for interpretation of data for achieving the bulk properties (Franke, 2008;Hobbs, et al, 2009). These nondestructive methods do not require complex preparation of the desired sample and allows processes to be followed in-situ (Hobbs, et al, 2009).…”