Tailoring the Formation Rate of the Mesophase in Random Propylene-co-1-pentene Copolymers

The mesophase structuring has been studied by fast scanning calorimetry in a series of random propylene-co-1-pentene copolymers, up to 7.9 mol % of 1-pentene units. It was found that the formation rate of the mesophase can be easily tailored in a wide range covering 2 orders of magnitude, in such a way that the rates involved in the copolymer with highest comonomer content can be also analyzed by conventional techniques, namely DSC and real-time X-ray diffraction employing synchrotron radiation. The advantage from the standpoint of easiness on the study of mesophase structuring is, therefore, well evident. The penalty to pay is the decrease on the overall degree of order attained in the copolymers.