OrientationInduced Crystallization in Polymers Benjamin S' Hsiao, Stony Brook University, DMR0098194

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Orientation-Induced Crystallization in
PolymersBenjamin S. Hsiao, Stony Brook
University, DMR-0098194
Molecular orientation induced by flow or
deformation during polymer processing can
significantly affect the crystallization kinetics
and final polymer morphology. The aim of this
research is to obtain an in-depth understanding
of the subject in order to improve our ability to
correlate the structure, morphology, process and
property relationships for crystalline polymers.
Here we present the deformation of poly(ethylene
terephthalate), PET, an important engineering
polymer with broad applications, using in-situ
synchrotron X-ray diffraction method. A new
insight into the relationship between the
structural transformation and the mechanical
property has been obtained. Macromolecules, in
press (2003)
Simultaneous measurement of X-ray and tensile
test under stretching of PET
Structural transformation between amorphous
phase, mesophases (nematic and smectic C) and
triclinic crystalline phase induced by stretching.
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Orientation-Induced Crystallization in
PolymersBenjamin S. Hsiao, Stony Brook
University, DMR-0098194
Education Under this grant, two students have
completed their Ph.D. degrees Dr. Bruce Fu
(post-doc at Michigan State Univ.) and Dr. Steven
Zong (Wright Medical) two post-doctoral
scientists have been trained Dr. Shaofeng Ran
(Stymix) and Dr. Lizhi Liu (Dow Chemical) two
REU undergraduate students have also been
supported Mr. Charles Chang and Ms. Maria Yuen .
Currently, two Ph.D. graduate students Ms. Ling
Yang (4th year), Mr. Jong Kahk Keum (2nd year), a
senior post-doctoral scientist Dr. Rajesh
Somani, and a visiting scientist Mr. Daisuke
Kawakami (Toray) are involved in this project.
Outreach Each summer, graduate students and
post-doctoral scientists have participated in the
summer high school student research programs,
sponsored by the Stony Brook MRSEC, Simons
Foundation and the University. The picture below
shows PI and several participating graduate
students in 2003.