Theories of chain folding and lamellar thickness

Attempts to understand the growth of lamellae have been made using a number of theoretical approaches, but the subject is rather complicated and not yet completely understood. It is therefore the intention here to give only a brief outline of the various approaches. Two principal types of theory have been put forward thermodynamic theories and kinetic theories. 

It is assumed in the Lauritzen-Hoffman theory that, once a chain segment has been laid down on the growing surface parallel to the chains already forming the crystal growth face, the next units in the chain continue to be laid down to form a straight stem. When a lamellar face is reached the chain folds and the following units are laid down adjacent to 

---