Extended‐chain crystals. IV. Melting under equilibrium conditions

Dilatometric melting experiments were performed on an extended‐chain crystalline polyethylene with a broad molecular weight distribution and on four samples crystallized from fractionated polyethylenes. The melting curves were compared with computer calculations based on the assumption of eutectic separation. For the fraction of lowest molecular weight, agreement between experiment and calculation was achieved. The melting behavior of all other samples indicated that only for molecular weights up to 10,000–12,000 did eutectic separation occur. The higher molecular weight portion of each sample crystallized in the form of mixed crystals. Of the experimental maximum melting‐point lowering of these mixed crystals, 0.1–0.9°C is due to the lower molecular weight diluents. Another 2–3°C lowering in melting point is due to the fact that the phase diagram of polyethylene mixed crystals has a minimum.