| Abstract: | The kinetics of crystallization and structure formation of polycaproamide (PCA) during anionic adiabatic polymerization of ε-caprolactam was studied. The adiabatic crystallization was shown to comprise three successive stages. In the first stage PCA forms dendritelike structures, the space between which is filled with the monomer. In the second stage rather rapid crystallization proceeds to give large loose spherulites. The dendritic structures serve as nuclei for development of spherulites. In the third stage slow secondary crystallization occurs. It is accomplished by crystallization of the residual amorphous substance located both in the dendritic nucleus and throughout the volume of the spherulites. This process is followed by the partial disappearance of the dendritic nuclei and by thickening of lamellae, which results in a substantial densification of initial structures and appearance of fine spherulites. As a result, a fine spherulitic structure with 50% crystallinity is formed. |
