Intro to Polymer Science
Nucleation is the initial process where small clusters of molecules form, leading to the creation of a new phase, such as solid crystals within a liquid. In polymers, nucleation is critical because it influences how and when crystallization occurs, impacting the material's final structure and properties. The nucleation process can be either homogeneous, occurring spontaneously throughout the material, or heterogeneous, where it takes place on surfaces or impurities, and this can significantly affect the melting behavior and overall performance of polymeric materials.
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