| Abstract: | Experimental results are presented and discussed comparing two techniques for inducing fibrous growth of polyethylene crystals from flowing solutions: a plunging cone device and a standard rotating cylinder (Couette) device. Comparison of crystal “overgrowth” diameter to spacing ratios for the several experiments with predictions based on an earlier postulated model lead to conclusions regarding the model inadequacy. A detailed comparison is made of the melting behavior of crystals produced by both flow fields and those results are discussed in light of a modified model for the growth process presented elsewhere. The conclusion is reached that differences in melting behavior may be attributed to differences in extension of the high molecular weight chains involved in the growth processes occurring in the two different flow fields. |
