Molecular dynamics of atactic polypropylene melts

A molecular model suitable for predicting thermodynamic and dynamical properties of polypropylene is developed. A systematic effort is undertaken to improve the representation of the potential. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of atactic polypropylene, based on the new potential, indicate good agreement of volumetric properties and of the solubility parameter with experimental data for a wide range of temperatures and pressures. To characterize the system dynamics at the segmental level, time autocorrelation functions have been computed for pendant (C-CH3) bonds and skeletal torsion angles. Predicted correlation times are in good agreement with NMR measurements. An analysis of conformational transitions reveals the development of spatial heterogeneity in the segmental mobility at constant observation time; this heterogeneity increases strongly with decreasing temperature. The rate of conformational isomerizations in the polymer has been analyzed by constructing a hazard plot of first passage times, which indicates a sharp decrease in the number of bonds capable of conformational transition at low temperature.