Recent applications of the Successive Self-nucleation and Annealing thermal fractionation technique

Successive Self-nucleation and Annealing (SSA) is a thermal fractionation technique that performed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The combination of non-isothermal isothermal steps applied during SSA achieves efficient molecular segregation polymer crystallization. Such magnifies the effect defects in chain crystallization, thereby providing information on structure. was created implemented Müller co-workers 1997, becoming powerful resource for studying ethylene/ α -olefin copolymers. different variables to design protocol: window, time, scanning rate, sample mass, first self-nucleation temperature be ( T s, ideal ), have been previously reviewed, together with applications SSA. versatility, simplicity (when properly applied), short times produce results allowed its use study novel more complex polymeric systems. This review article explores most recent past decade. First, principles are briefly explained, covering all relevant variables. Next, we selected cases show how employed various fields, such as intermolecular interactions topological effects homopolymers; supernucleation antinucleation nanocomposites, including pre-freezing phenomenon; crystallization modes random copolymers; solid-solid transitions; miscibility, co-crystallization composition blends; evaluation synthesis variables; could gained using fast chip-based calorimetry. Finally, offer perspective SSA, has become method distribution affecting semi-crystalline polymers.