Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Mechanism and dynamics of the ordering process in oriented crystallization of polymers were investigated by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS). As a model system for the oriented crystallization, a cross-linked polybutadiene rubber with a high cis-1,4-linkage was chosen, and the structure evolution during the isothermal crystallization was investigated under constant elongations by real time and in situ analyses of the microscopic observables such as long spacing, crystallite size, SAXS integrated intensity, WAXS crystallinity and WAXS line width as well as a macroscopic observable such as stress. The isothermal ordering processes were explored in three different crystallization regimes: crystallization from (i) unoriented melts, (ii) weakly-to-moderately oriented melts and (iii) highly oriented melts.