Department of Chemistry2024-11-1020030022-234810.1081/MB-1200215902-s2.0-0041429211http://dx.doi.org/10.1081/MB-120021590https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14288/17227Crystallization of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in thin films was studied using hot-stage polarized optical microscopy. Isothermal linear crystal growth rates were measured for various film thicknesses at various degrees of undercooling. At a given crystallization temperature, the linear crystal growth rate decreased exponentially with decreasing film thickness below a film thickness of 80 nm. Films showed similar spherulitic morphology down to a film thickness of 30 nm. Control experiments on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces showed that surface chemistry affects stability of the polymer films and causes a competition between crystallization and dewetting.Polymer scienceJournal Article184689400018Q45906