ABSTRACT
The Hoffman-Lauritzen theory of the formation of polymer crystals with folded chains owes its origin to the discovery in 1957 that characteristically thin single crystals of polyethylene can be grown from dilute solutions. These crystals are thin platelets or lamellae, typically about 10 nm thick. As first proposed by Keller of the University of Bristol (UK) in his seminal paper, the long polymer chains are more or less regularly folded between the upper and lower lamella surfaces with the chain stems between successive folds oriented preferentially normal to the plane of the lamellae. In 1961 and 1962 Hoffman and Lauritzen presented their theory for the formation of chain-folded crystals based on surface nucleation concepts. Hoffman had visited Keller in Bristol and had discussed the subject with him. Returning from the UK by air, Hoffman began to develop certain aspects of the theory.
