Small and wide-angle X-ray scattering study of metallocene isotactic poly(propylene)

We report a study of metallocene isotactic poly(propylene) (m-iPP) which crystallizes into α and γ crystal modifications. Simultaneous in-situ small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) were used to study kinetics during crystallization. Both techniques provide information about time development of crystallinity, while WAXS gives also kinetics of formation of α and γ crystals. During the earliest stages of crystal formation, the SAXS Bragg peak occurs simultaneously, or slightly lags, the appearance of crystalline WAXS reflections. We conclude crystallization occurs by a nucleation and growth process in this m-iPP.