ABSTRACT
Single-polymer composites (SPC) are at odds with conventional definition of composite materials. SPC are novel structures where both the reinforcement and matrix phases are derived from identical polymeric material. Reinforcing a common polyethylene with polyethylene fibers leads to a strong and stiff SPC. Compared to the matrix, the reinforcing structure has either different crystalline and/or super molecular structures or is given by a preform, prefabricate that entails different textile architectures with higher crystallinity. The crystallization behavior and morphology of polyethylene-based SPCs have been investigated by F. V. Lacroix, using light microscopy and low-voltage scanning electron microscopy techniques. Transcrystallinity is basically a case of oriented crystallization found at the fiber/matrix interphase for some thermoplastic composites. For transcrystallinity to occur, it is necessary that the nucleation rate in the fiber exceeds that in the matrix bulk, the lateral growth on the fiber is less favored, and the columnar growth is ensured.
