Simulation of Steady State and Transient Polymer Growth Kinetics. Application to PEEK

Abstract
A simple two-dimensional rate-theory model demonstrates the principal effects of the Sadler/Gilmer theory of isothermal polymer crystallization. In addition it can be used to describe specific polymers by setting its parameters accordingly. We report on recent results of modelling the aromatic thermoplastic poly(aryl-ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK), in particular its isothermal growth rates, lamellar thicknesses and melting point. An extension of this model has made possible for the first time the study of transient processes such as heating scans and annealing. We report on first results.