Frequency Dependence of the Dynamic Heat Capacity at the Melting Temperature of Polyethylene Crystals

The dynamic heat capacity of polyethylene was measured in the heating process over two decades of the modulating frequency using the light heating modulated temperature DSC. The dynamic heat capacity exhibited clear frequency dependence from 95°C to the end of the melting of the crystals. Frequency dependence of this work was compared with that of the quasi-isothermal measurement. The relaxation time estimated in this work was much shorter than that of the quasi-isothermal measurement. It was found that notable heat exchange between the sample and reference sides occurred between 120 and 135°C. Frequency dependence of the heat exchange was studied.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.