Crystallinity of polyolefins with large side groups by low-field 1H NMR T2 relaxometry: Isotactic Polybutene-1 with form II and I crystals

Phase composition and molecular mobility were studied using 1H NMR T2 relaxometry in isotactic polybutene-1 (iPB-1) with two polymorphs - form I and II crystals. Several types of NMR relaxation methods and data analysis were evaluated for determining the most reliable way for studying physical phases in iPB-1. Three-phase model provided the most appropriate description of the phase composition in iPB-1, i.e., a crystal-amorphous interface separates the crystalline and the amorphous phases. Due to complex molecular mobility in iPB-1, the amount of rigid fraction should be considered as NMR crystallinity number. Two types of chain segments are present in the amorphous phase: (1) chain segments with anisotropic mobility due to chain anchoring to crystals and chain entanglements; and (2) highly mobile chain end segments. The polymorphic phase II to I transition causes significant immobilization of polymer chains in the crystalline and the amorphous phases. Molecular weight of iPB-1 largely influences phase composition and molecular mobility in crystalline and amorphous phases. [Display omitted] •Phase composition and molecular mobility in isotactic polybutene-1 are studied using 1H NMR T2 relaxometry.•The three-phase model provides the best description of the phase composition.•Advantages and disadvantages of different types of T2 relaxation experiments are discussed.•The polymorphic phase II to I transition causes decrease in chain mobility in the crystalline and the amorphous phases.•Molecular weight of iPB-1 largely influences phase composition and molecular mobility in crystalline and amorphous phases.