Nucleation of Polymers: Crystallization Fundamentals and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of the crystallization process, examining both heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation in polymers and highlighting the role of selective nucleating agents, which are crucial additives that enhance the processability and performance of various thermoplastic polymers. The book is structured into three parts, beginning with foundational theories that cover essential concepts such as physical structure alignment, self-nucleation, and interactions with additives. The second part applies these theoretical insights to important polymer classes, including polyamides, polyesters, and bio-based thermoplastics, providing practical examples of nucleation in action.
The final section addresses key aspects of processing and sustainability, including the effects of cooling and quenching on nucleation efficiency and the implications for property design and recycling. This is an invaluable resource for advanced students, researchers, scientists, and engineers seeking to understand nucleation theory and practical polymer applications.
The final section addresses key aspects of processing and sustainability, including the effects of cooling and quenching on nucleation efficiency and the implications for property design and recycling. This is an invaluable resource for advanced students, researchers, scientists, and engineers seeking to understand nucleation theory and practical polymer applications.
Table of Contents
Part 1. Fundamentals, theoretical concepts and methods1. Basic concepts. Physical structure alignment and epitaxy
2. Primary and secondary nucleation
3. Self-nucleation in competition to external nucleation
4. The special case of clarifiers. Dispersion by dissolution
5. Nucleation through branching and crosslinking
6. Interactions with other additives. Promotion and inhibition
7. Experimental techniques for quantifying nucleation and its kinetics
8. Modelling and simulation of nucleation processes
Part 2. Applications to selected polymer classes
9. Polypropylene homo- and copolymers
10. Polyethylene and other polyolefins
11. Polyamides and Polyesters
12. Specialty polymers
13. Bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastics
14. Polymer blends and multiphase systems
15. Composites and nanocomposites with fillers and fibers
Part 3. Aspects of processing and sustainability
16. Cooling and quenching effects on nucleation efficiency
17. Interaction between external nucleation and flow-induced crystallization
18. Property design by nucleation. Mechanics, optics and beyond
19. Nucleation effects in novel conversion processes
20. Sustainability and recycling aspects of nucleation
