Polymer crystallization and reorganization during heating: Simulation with the sadler/gilmer model

Polymer crystallization and melting under nonisothermal conditions are investigated by means of an extended version of the two-dimensional Sadler / Gilmer pinning model. In particular, the case of a constant heating rate is simulated. Lamellar thickening and eventual melting are studied for a range of heating rates and initial temperatures. An approach to equilibrium (i.e. infinite thickness at T^o_m) by slowing down the heating rate is found to be more than exponentially suppressed. Similarities with heating experiments on polyethylene and PEEK are demonstrated. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.