Precursors in stereo-complex crystals of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(D-lactic acid) blends under shear flow

To clarify the formation of stereo-complex crystals of poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) blends under shear flow, the structure was analyzed using time-resolved in situ X-ray scattering, optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and viscoelastic measurements. Density fluctuations of 100 nm scale were observed prior to nucleation by in situ simultaneous wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements.