Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.81, No.1, 23-37, 2001
Crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) blends
The crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PET/PEN) blends were investigated by DSC: as functions of crystallization temperature, blend composition, and PET and PEN source. Isothermal crystallization kinetics were evaluated in terms of the Avrami equation. The Avrami exponent (n) is different for PET, PEN, and the blends, indicating different crystallization mechanisms occurring in blends than those in pure PET and PEN. Activation energies of crystallization were calculated from the rate constants, using an Arrhenius-type expression. Regime theory was used to elucidate the crystallization course of PET/PEN blends as well as that of unblended PET and PEN. The transition from regime II to regime III was clearly observed for each blend sample as the crystallization temperature was decreased.