Structure formation in crystallizing polymers, as occurring during
processing, has not been treated so far in a coherent form. This fact
explains, why this monograph is written as the ?rst book devoted to this
subject. A quarter of a century ago the underdevelopment of this subject
was obvious. Trial and error dominated. In fact, other apposite subjects
as polymer melt rheology or heat transfer, had reached high levels. A
great number of books has been devoted to them. Mold ?lling of amorphous
polymers and the solidi?cation of these polymers by vitri?cation can
nowadays be simulated numerically with a high degree of accuracy. In the
solidi?ed sample even residual stresses and corresponding birefringence
effects can accurately be 1 calculated . However, semicrystalline
polymers, which form the majority of industrial po- mers, have been
excluded from these considerations for good reasons. In fact, great
uncertainties existed about the formation of quality determining
crystalline str- tures. In particular, polyole?ns suffered from this
shortcoming. In 1983 this fact instigated the polymer research group at
the Johannes Kepler University in Linz to start with pertinent
activities. The urgency of this kind of studies becomes evident, if
advantages and hitches of these polymers are considered. 1. Versatility
of processing: Injection molding into a great variety of shapes and
sizes, from thin walled beakers to garden chairs, not to forget pipe and
pro?le extrusion, cable coating, ?ber spinning, ?lm blowing. 2. Product
qualities: Ductility, low density, good electric insulation, corrosion
resistance, surface quality.
