On the influence of the amorphous phase on the stability of crystals in poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) networks

Crosslinked natural rubber and synthetic samples are additivated with up to 9 wt% stearic acid (StA) better understand the influence of StA on melting temperature Tm strain-induced crystallized poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) crystals. To this end, lamellae thicknesses determined from wide-angle x-ray patterns used calculate crystal size dependent Tm,calc. Comparing measured Tm,calc reveals that deviates downward converges increasing concentration until it is identical Tm,calc, in case room crystallization. In crystallization at 80°C, was found without added upward amount StA. We suggest due internal stress onto polymer crystals exerted by highly strained macromolecules surrounding amorphous phase. Whether has a stabilizing or destabilizing effect assumed depend its intensity direction, which can be efficiently altered location