Thermal Analysis and Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering of Homogeneous Copolymers of Ethene and 1-Octene

Homogeneous copolymers of ethene and 1-octene with a random distribution of comonomer units and the same comonomer/ethene ratio exhibit a double melting behaviour which is ascribed to a slight sample heterogeneity. On crystallization part of the material is segregated and crystallizes on aging of the samples. The results of small-angle X-ray experiments allow to correlate the morphological changes and the melting behaviour with the chain microstructure of the copolymer.