Crystallization of poly(ethylene oxide) confined in pores of active carbon

Abstract

The kinetics of isothermal crystallization of poly(ethylene oxide) confined in pores of active carbon was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation. At equal temperatures the induction period of crystallization in pores differs from that in the bulk polymer. A model was developed that allows estimation of the effect of porous media on the statistical sum of the macromolecule considering the change of the polymer chain conformation in the melt. This model describes the following observed effects: invariability of the induction period temperature dependence in pores, the weak temperature dependence of the ratio of induction period for e bulk, and pore material. The change in the induction period in cylindrical pores was predicted with satisfactory precision.