DSC isothermal polymer crystallization kinetics measurements and the use of the Avrami equation to fit the data: Guidelines to avoid common problems

In this paper we offer guidelines to adequately fit isothermal polymer crystallization kinetics data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) employing the widely used Avrami equation. A methodology on how the experimental DSC data should be measured and later analyzed in order to minimize the possible errors associated with data manipulation is provided by a thorough evaluation of: (i) the determination of the onset of crystallization or induction time, (ii) the establishment of the baseline and incomplete isothermal crystallization data, (iii) the effect of the cooling rate from the melt to the isothermal crystallization temperature and (iv) the conversion range employed for the fitting. Therefore, this paper provides a practical guide to the fitting of the Avrami equation along with error assessments.