Crystallization of Polyethylene in Thin Films

The crystallization of polyethylene and ethylene rich random copolymers in thin films is examined using a combination of atomic force microscopy, grazing incidence x-ray diffraction and infra-red and Raman measurements. Specifically, we have examined the roles of film thickness, substrate energetics, temperature and chemical microstructure on the kinetics and morphology of polyethylene crystallization. Dramatic slowing down with decreasing film thickness accompanied by the development of unique morphologies are reported and their origins discussed.