Several new phenomena in the formation of ring-banded spherulites of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(styrene-random-acrylonitrile) blends

Ring-banded spherulites in crystallization of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly (styrene-random-acrylonitrile) blends were observed with polarizing optical microscopy and digital image analysis technique was applied directly to the image obtained by polarizing microscope, Several new interesting phenomena were found. One is that the ring-banded structure is still clearly seen after the analyzer was removed and this astonished phenomenon couldn't result from the general concept about formation mechanism of ring-banded spherulite - lamellae twisting, Another one is that there is a slight, dark line in the bright band when cross polars were added, which may be related to the formation process and mechanism of ring-banded spherulites in the blends of poly (epsilon-caprolactone) and poly (styrene-random-acrylonitrile).

The formation of ring-banded spherulites of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) in its miscible mixtures with poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)

Ring-banded spherulites in polymer blends of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) were investigated by optical microscopy equipped with a digital image analysis system. PCL/SAN blends exhibit not only spherulites with a Maltese cross, but also distinct extinction rings. The periodic distance of rings changes with blend ratio and crystallization temperature and was plotted as a function of the undercooling and overall mobility of the mixtures, respectively. It was found that the overall mobility of chain segments in the mixtures could be mainly attributed to the origin of the formation of ring-banded spherulites. It was believed that for the first time a quantitative experimental result was obtained about the relationship of periodic distance of rings and the overall mobility of the mixtures. This relationship may be useful to explain the formation mechanism of ring-banded spherulites in polymer blends or even in homopolymers in the future. (C) 1977 Elsevier Science Ltd.

STM image of tungstosilicic acid molecular layer on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite

Molecular layer of tungstosilicic acid (H4SiW12O40) deposited on freshly-cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in air at room temperature. The molecular dimension (11.5 Angstrom) of H4SiW12O40 measured by STM is consistent with known crystallographic parameter. We also imaged the boundary of H4SiW12O40 molecular layer on HOPG showing that molecular layer of H4SiW12O40 was formed. It has been proved that individual tungstosilicic acid species is imaged. The probable reason for the formation of the molecular layer is also discussed.