Paradigm in the growth kinetic theories of lamellar polymer crystals*

The microscopic mechanism of lamellar crystal growth of polymers has raised controversial arguments and hot debates in the field of polymer crystallization. So far, there are three theories that have derived their growth rate equations, i.e. Lauritzen-Hoffman theory, Sadler-Gilmer theory and intramolecular nucleation theory. One can however recognize their similarities in the equation formulas as they are all constituted by a barrier term multiplied with a driving-force term. Although three theories made different interpretations on the microscopic mechanism of their barrier terms, their driving-force terms appeared as the same. The details of three microscopic models on the growth barriers are introduced and discussed.