Crystallization of isotactic (D,L) poly(propylene oxide) in the presence of fine‐particle silica. I: Radial growth rates of spherulites

The effect of added silica on the spherulite radial growth rates of isotactic poly(propylene oxide) (i‐PPrO) has been investigated by optical photomicroscopy. Two different i‐PPrO samples were used of different molecular weights and isotacticity, 87 and 100% as determined by 13 C NMR. The addition of fine particle silica, an effective nucleating agent, depresses the spherulite growth rates throughout the entire temperature range, but the effect is more dramatic for the i‐PPrO of lower isotacticity. For a given sample, the retardation increases as the quantity of filler increases. The growth rate‐temperature behavior is analyzed in terms of the classical Hoffman‐Lauritzen equation, modified to take into account the polymer‐filler interaction.