Crystal nucleation of polymers confined to droplets: Memory effects

Abstract We study crystal nucleation within an ensemble of polyethylene droplets created through the dewetting of a thin film on an unfavorable substrate. In particular, we employ standard thermal treatment procedures to induce self‐nucleation in samples to gain some insight into the nature of this enhanced crystallization. The novel sample‐geometry enables the monitoring of each droplet throughout successive experiments, and hence the changes …