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A nanoscopic view at the spherulitic morphology of isotactic polypropylene by atomic force microscopy

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Summary

The spherulitic morphology of isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) was investigated by a combination of optical and atomic force microscopes. Thin films of i-PP were prepared in situ by using a hot stage. The crystallization conditions were carefully selected to produce different types of spherulites including α-I, α-II, mixed, and β-III types. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans unveiled morphological details such as mother/daughter lamellae, cross-hatching, and thickness and orientation of the lamellae. In a few cases, macromolecules were visualized. However, due to poor resolution, only the expected chain direction within the lamellae could be determined. The advantages and disadvantages of using AFM to study the surface of spherulites is discussed.

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Author notes

  1. Holger Schönherr

    Present address: Institut für Organische Chemie, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität, J. J. Becher Weg 18-20, W-6500, Mainz, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, M5S 1A1, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Holger Schönherr, Daniel Snétivy & G. Julius Vansco

Authors
  1. Holger Schönherr
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  2. Daniel Snétivy
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  3. G. Julius Vansco
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Schönherr, H., Snétivy, D. & Vansco, G.J. A nanoscopic view at the spherulitic morphology of isotactic polypropylene by atomic force microscopy. Polymer Bulletin 30, 567–574 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00296476

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00296476

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