Development of a faster hot-stage for microscopy studies of polymer crystallization

A new design of hot-stage (temperature controlling cell) and methodology were developed for investigating the kinetics of fast phase transitions of polymers at higher supercooling. The contact cooling rate of the hot-stage can be increased up to 1000 °C/s (between 200 °C and 80 °C) by means of flowing liquid cooling, the response rate of the whole device due to immediate temperature measurement and an original automation unit. This design enables one to study isothermal crystallization of polyethylene down to 80 °C, and its relative simplicity makes it suitable for routine measurements. Description of the parameters of the automation unit and the heating/cooling cell are reported.