Influence of the Environment on the Phase II - I Transformation of Isotactic Polybutene - 1

Abstract

The phase II to I transformation process of isotactic polybutene – 1 (iPB-1) is influenced by the environment besides the usual physical factors. The phase II → I transformation rate depends, first of all, on the segmental mobility of the polymer chains. Environmental substances which are good solvents of iPB-1 increased the phase transformation rate at room temperature. Other substances, such as air, water, some acids or blends with atactic polypropylene, decreased the transformation rate in comparison with a sample exposed to a phosphorus pentoxide desiccant environment. The environmental effects also influence several other structural characteristics, such as sample crystallinity and crystallite size.

Keywords:

• Phase II - I transformation
• isotactic polybutene - 1
• environmental effects