Improved experimental characterization of crystallization kinetics

Polymer solidification occurring in many processes, like for instance injection molding, compression molding and extrusion, is a complex phenomenon, strongly influenced by the thermo-mechanical history experienced by the material during processing. From this point of view, characterization of polymer crystallization in the range of processing con- ditions, i.e. including high cooling rate, is of great technological and academic interest. Quiescent, non-isothermal crys- tallization kinetics of two polypropylene resins were investigated using a new method, based on fast cooling of thin samples with air/water sprays and optical detection of the crystallization phenomenon. The range of cooling …