Understanding polymer crystallization undergoing zone annealing*

Zone annealing is a process through which a temperature gradient is translated at a set velocity across a polymer sample of interest, differentiating it from other crystallization processes by its inherent directionality. Through the application of the Hermans orientation function to our small-angle X-ray scattering detector patterns, we explore the extent of anisotropy that the process imparts on both the pure polymer and the polymer nanocomposite systems, with a focus on the lamellar orientation for the former and the nanoparticle arrangement for the latter. We also utilize differential scanning calorimetry to quantify the effects that the process has on the crystalline content and the melting temperature of the materials.