Gibbs-Thompson equation, polymer crystal

One of the important relationships for crystalline polymers is the Thompson-Gibbs (TG) equation which relates melting point and crystal thickness. The change in free energy on melting (AG) is given by ... [Pg.144]

The crystal thickness can also be estimated by converting melting-point data through application of the Thompson—Gibbs equation (eq. (7.21)). This method is indirect and has to be calibrated. The non-equilibrium nature of polymer crystal melting is another major obstacle. Both crystal thickening and superheating have to be inhibited or at least controlled. [Pg.147]

The equilibrium melting temperature, T°m, can be obtained from data for crystals of finite thickness using the Thompson-Gibbs equation. The melting point of crystalline polymers with a well-defined crystal thickness (/c) can be measured and the data extrapolated to 41 = 0 using the Thompson Gibbs equation (Gedde 1995) ... [Pg.314]

The Thompson-Gibbs equation relates the melting point of crystalline polymers to the crystal thickness. It is derived from a balance of the free energy of the crystal surface and the surface-independent contribution. By measuring Tm for a series of samples with different crystal thicknesses, /c, it is possible to obtain the equilibrium melting temperature, 7, by extrapolation to k = oo ... [Pg.92]