Isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of branched and partially crosslinked PETDSC study

The crystallization kinetics of branched and partially crosslinked poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), prepared using trimethyl trimellitate as branching agent was studied using DSC and WAXD. Crystallization rates were retarded with increasing branching agent content. Avrami equation was used in the isothermal crystallization, while for the non-isothermal process the Ozawa model was applied. Isothermal crystallization half-times increased with branching agent content and crystallization peak temperatures during cooling, decreased. WAXD showed big broadening and reduced degree of crystallinity compared to the neat polyester. Though, the crystal lattice parameters did not seem to alter, crystal size reduction was evidenced.