The role of conformational dynamics in directing unit cell parameters, microstructural development and in bioplastic heterogeneous nucleatio

The selection of biobased macromolecular building blocks and readily available re- and upcycling strategies are opportune to preserve high chemical functionality. However, mass adoption of biobased polyesters, including Polylactide, polyhydroxy alkanoates, and Polyethylene furanoate, is challenged by their intrinsically low crystallization rates. A new family of bis-(oxal)amide nucleating agents to promote high crystallization rates in these biobased polyesters have been developed in our group. By means of the molecular design of the nucleating agents melt miscibility and nucleation are triggered although the exact mechanism of polymer nucleation is unknown to date. By means of single crystal structure analysis at the BM01 high resolution diffraction beamline we aim to decipher the temperature dependent unit crystal structure and unit cell parameters of the nucleating agent self-assemblies that possess a pivotal role in the mechanism of nucleation.