Crystallization of linear polyethylene in nanoporous cylindrical pores

The linear polyethylene with nearly monodisperse molecular weight distribution is confined in cylindrical nanopores, and the crystallization behavior of the polyethylene is investigated. The crystalline structure and crystallization kinetics of the linear polyethylene in the cylindrical nanopores, examined by x-ray diffraction and calorimetry, shows noticeable deviations from those of bulk polyethylene. We find the imposed confinement induces significant frustration which enables us to control the crystal structure formation such as crystal orientation. The detailed crystallization kinetics of polyethylene in the cylindrical nanopores together with the crystal structure will be discussed.