Energy dispersive x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry investigation of the melting behavior of poly(ethylene-succinate) crystallized at low undercooling

The behavior upon heating of poly(ethylene-succinate) samples crystallized at progressively lower undercooling has been studied. The multiple melting phenomena exhibited by this particular polymer subjected to a temperature ramp were investigated using both ordinary differential scanning calorimetry and an alternative technique, energy dispersive x-ray diffraction applied to phase transition. A critical comparison of the two methods adopted in the melting studies is included. Another application of the energy dispersive x-ray diffraction method, which enables one to distinguish the structural rearrangements that take place on different distance scales, is also described. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.