Some structurally disordered models for poly(tetrafluoroethylene) were elaborated and the corresponding calculated X-ray diffraction patterns compared with experimental patterns. This and differential scanning calorimetry results suggest some differences between the virgin powder and a sintered polycrystalline plate of poly(tetrafluoroethylene). These differences may be related to the crystal phase transitions that occur in a range of temperatures close to room temperature.

A structural investigation is described of poly(L-lactic acid) by best fitting of powder X-ray diffraction patterns. The examined sample shows the already known pseudo-orthorhombic α-form, and it was possible to determine the location of the two 103 polymeric helices in the unit cell and the size distribution of the crystallites. Furthermore, a study is reported of the crystallization kinetics of the above cited polymer by light depolarization measurements in an optical microscope. The crystallization kinetic constants in bulk were evaluated in a temperature range (70–165°C) wider than that previously resulting from measurements of radial growth of spherulites.