Crystallization and melting of bulk polymers: New observations, conclusions and a thermodynamic scheme

New findings during the last decade have triggered a reconsideration of the foundations of polymer crystallization. The article reviews the new experimental results, points to some straightforward conclusions and also presents a novel thermodynamic scheme developed on the basis of the observations. The expansion of knowledge is due to the introduction of novel techniques: in situ atomic force microscopy, modulated and high speed calorimetry, microbeam X-ray scattering, combinations of standard techniques in simultaneous measurements, or the use of new evaluation procedures in scattering experiments and spectroscopy. This is demonstrated by a selection of important and clear-cut experimental results. Attention is restricted to the crystallization (from a quiescent melt or an isotropic glass) and melting of homopolymers and related statistical copolymers in bulk.