Crystallization of sheared polymer melts

Abstract
The Crystallization kinetics of molten polyethylene subjected to a constant shear stress were investigated theoretically and experimentally. The rate of crystallization depends on the difference of entropy (Δs) between the crystalline and molten state. The constant shear stress in the melt decreases Δs causing an abrupt increase in the rate of crystallization and a decrease of the thickness of the folded-chain lamellar crystals.