Solvent‐induced crystallization of syndiotactic polystyrene in toluene

The diffusion of toluene in glassy syndiotactic polystyrene was analyzed for films with different thickness. It was found that the reduced sorption curves superimpose, denoting that the diffusion follows a Fickian behaviour. The intensity of transmitted light in a polarizing microscope was followed during swelling, and it was found that there is development of order and it is strongly diffusion‐controlled. Films dried after immersion in toluene show a crystalline wide angle X‐ray pattern, while in the swollen state the possibility of a liquid‐crystalline‐like state can be suggested.