The crystallization kinetics of monodisperse C98H198 from the melt

The crystallization kinetics of the monodisperse n-alkane C98H198, growing as extended-chain lamellae from the melt, have been measured as part of a wider programme on these novel model systems for polymeric materials. Crystal growth rates decrease linearly, by a factor of 30, over the temperature range of 113.5-114.9 degrees C, an interval which encompasses a significant change in habit from individual through parallel-stacked lamellae to a type of coarse spherulite. The data differ considerably in character from those reported previously for extended chain crystallization of n-C198H398 but are comparable to earlier studies of purified n-C94H190 and are sensibly linear with supercooling as proposed in Hoffman's theory of extended-chain crystallization. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.