Simulation of Polymer Crystal Growth with Various Morphologies Using a Phase-Field Model

Abstract

A finite element-based phase-field model was developed to simulate crystal growth in semi-crystalline polymers with various crystal morphologies. The original Kobayashi's phase-field model for solidification of pure materials was adopted to account for polymer crystallization. Evolution of a non-conserved phase-field variable was considered to track the interface between the melt and the crystalline phases. A local free energy density was used to account for the meta-stable states in polymer solidification. The developed model was successfully applied for simulation of two and three dimensional, single- and polycrystalline morphologies (hexagonal and spherulitic) in isotactic polypropylene (iPP). These morphologies were compared based on different super-cooling conditions and interface anisotropy. The unique aspect of this work is that the employed model is capable of simulating multiple arbitrarily oriented crystals and has no limitations with respect to the crystal morphology. The results show significant thermal effects on the shape and growth rate of iPP crystals.

Meeting Name

2012 AIChE Annual Meeting (2012: Oct. 28-Nov. 2, Pittsburgh, PA)

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Crystal morphologies; Crystalline phasis; Developed model; Free energy density; Interface anisotropy; Isotactic poly(propylene) (iPP); Meta-stable state; Oriented crystals; Phase fields; Phase-field models; Polycrystalline morphology; Polymer crystallization; Polymer crystals; Pure materials; Semi-crystalline polymer; Crystal growth; Finite element method; Morphology; Polymers; Solidification; Three dimensional computer graphics; Three dimensional

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-0816910731

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2012

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