Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 January 2011
Epitaxial crystallization of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) from 1-chloronaphthalene solution on NaCl (001) surface has been studied using electron microscopy and electron diffraction techniques. Three different epitaxial morphologies were observed: (1) conventional rodlike structures (fold plane epitaxy); (2) platelet structures (fold surface epitaxy); and (3) roselike structures whose growth mechanism and molecular packing are not completely understood at present. Of primary importance is the fact that a possible new crystal structure β-phase) of PPS was formed in the fold surface epitaxy through a true two-dimensional lattice matching by lateral lattice dimensional adjustment of PPS. Lattice match criterion again shows its merit in explaining the formation of fold surface epitaxy and the new crystal structure of PPS. Solution concentration, crystallization temperature, and time have significant influence on crystal growths, orientations, molecular packing, and morphological arrangements.