Lattice Theory of Melting of a Crystalline Polymer

Abstract

A lattice theory of melting transitions of polymers has been developed. A polymer in the crystalline state is considered to exist in a zig-zag structure, in a lattice without holes. At the melting temperature holes are formed in the lattice and the rigid molecules become flexible, exhibiting both gauche and trans conformations. The results of the theory are applied in some detail to polyethylene.