ABSTRACT
Polymers can be broadly classifed as either amorphous or semi crystalline. Amorphous polymers include glassy polymers with sterically hindered chains (e.g., polycarbonate), crosslinked polymers such as thermosets (e.g., epoxy) and elastomers (e.g., rubber). Semicrystalline polymers include thermoplastics (e.g., polyethylene), thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., ethylene vinyl acetate polymers, EVA) that contain physical not chemical crosslinks, and liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs, e.g. , aromatic polyamides). The major impact of XRD in the polymer industry has been in the characterization of semicrystalline polymers including LCPs.
