A novel analytical approach to estimate isothermal and dynamic crystallization Avrami kinetic parameters

Abstract

The Avrami equation has been extensively used to describe the polymer crystallization kinetics. Evaluation of kinetic parameters of this equation is quite troublesome, calling for properly predetermining induction time. To avoid this problem, an analytical approach in terms of differential scanning calorimetry exotherm maximum point was adopted here so as to conveniently estimate the Avrami equation kinetic parameters both in isothermal and dynamic crystallization mode. In the case of dynamic crystallization under isokinetic conditions, a modified version of the Avrami model by Nakamura was employed and adequate predictions based on the derived formulas were obtained. However, due to the simplified assumptions of the Avrami theory, our adopted relations are only applicable to earlier stages of crystallization process and do not account for secondary crystallization.