Solution crystallization of nylon 6

Abstract Electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction data have been obtained on nylon 6 which has been crystallized from solutions in 1,6‐hexanediol and 1,2,6‐hexanetriol. Lamellar single crystals and spherulites of the γ form are obtained by crystallization from 1,2,6‐hexanetriol. The morphology of the single crystals is different from that obtained from glycerine solutions. The spherulites of the γ form are composed of larger lamellae. Sheaflike crystals of the α form are obtained from both solvents. α‐form and γ‐form crystals both grow from 1,2,6‐hexanetriol at appropriate crystallization temperatures. α‐form crystals alone are obtained from 1,6‐hexanediol solution at every crystallization temperature. The long periods measured by small‐angle x‐ray diffraction for the solution‐grown crystals are in the range 56 to 66 Å. The melting behavior of the solution‐grown crystals is examined and discussed. Effects of solvent on growth of the two crystalline forms from solution are investigated.