Crystallization of polyethylene from o‐xylene

The upper limit of platelike growth of polyethylene from a 0.1% solution by weight in o ‐xylene can be represented by the equation T ′ = M × 10 3 /(2.747 M + 170.6). This equation was derived on kinetic and thermodynamic arguments. Dendritic growth occurs 8–10°C. below T ′. Higher molecular weights give more irregular and more branched dendrites. The ratio of heterogeneously nucleated hedgehog dendrites is constant for any one preparation crystallized at different temperature. Polymethylene can crystallize in a different morphology above T ′. Interference microscopy was used as a main tool in this research.