On crystallization of polypropylene on atomically flat silicate substrate and relationship to mechanical properties

▶ Phyllosilicate was used to probe the nucleation and chain organization in thin films. ▶ Crystal morphology was altered from leaf-like structure to fully developed spherulites. ▶ The lamellae structure changed from well-oriented to cross-hatched implying epitaxial growth. ▶ The good interfacial bonding favored by epitaxial crystallization is beneficial for toughness.