Definitions of terms relating to crystalline polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2011)

Recommendations are given concerning the terminology relating to the structure and the morphology of crystalline polymers and the processes of polymer crystallization. They are applicable to cases where polymer crystals are a significant fraction of a system and primarily with crystal structures that are comprised of polymer chains with limited, static, or dynamic disorder. After some general definitions, terms pertaining to structural arrangements at subnanometric scales and to polymer crystal structures are defined. Terms relating to molecular conformation within polymer crystals, morphological aspects, and polymer crystallization are given in subsequent sections.