Direct identification of three crystalline phases in PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymer by In situ hot-stage atomic force microscopy

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

A tri-lamellar self-assembly that included lamellae of the three phases was indirectly elucidated from AFM observations complemented with SAXS experiments and theoretical simulations.

“A tri-lamellar self-assembly that included lamellae of the three phases was indirectly elucidated from AFM observations complemented with SAXS experiments and theoretical simulations.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The SAXS characterization section proposes a morphology with three types of crystalline lamellae, and the Morphology section reports SAXS evidence for a complex triple-lamellar structure. Our copy does not support the claimed use of AFM observations or theoretical simulations: it describes polarized-light microscopy and rough theoretical calculations of melt miscibility instead. Page numbers are unavailable in the indexed copy. (LLM, conf=0.87)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

Upon cooling from the melt, WAXS and DSC analysis showed that the PLLA block crystallizes first, followed by the PCL and lastly the PEO in the diblock and triblock.

“Wide-angle X-Ray scattering (WAXS) measurements, carried out during cooling, confirmed that the PLLA block is the one that crystallizes first, followed by the PCL and lastly, the PEO.”

• Also stated in: § RESULTS AND DISCUSSION · plain

  “Upon cooling from the melt, both DSC and WAXS analysis showed that the two phases in the diblock and the three phases in the triblock crystallize sequentially, being the PLLA block the one that crystallizes first.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceSupported
• cites [36] Palacios, 2019, Generating triple crystalline superstructures in melt miscible PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers by controlling thermal history and sequential crystallization, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Based on the different melting temperatures of each block (PCL melts at around 55 °C and PLLA at around 120 °C), if the sample is heated above the melting point of PCL but below that of PLLA, the PCL phase should disappear while PLLA lamellae remain intact.

“Based on the different melting temperatures of each block (the PCL block melts at around 55 °C and PLLA block at around 120 °C, see Table 1 and our previous work 35 ), the premise is that if the sample is heated until a temperature above the melting point of the PCL lamellae but sufficiently low to keep the PLLA phase crystallized, we should be able to see the disappearance of the PCL phase, while”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceSupported

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The melting points of each component determined by DSC previously are given in Table 1.

“The melting points of each component determined by DSC previously [33][34][35][36] are also given in Table 1.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [34] Sun, 2004, Study on crystalline morphology of poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer, Polymer sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

The thickest lamellae (15 nm) belong to the PLLA block, while the thinnest lamellae (10 nm) belong to the PCL block.

“We established that the thickest lamellae (15 nm, red) should belong to the PLLA block because this block is the one that crystallizes first, while the thinnest lamellae (10 nm, green) should belong to the PCL block.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The morphology section (page unavailable) reports that PLLA crystallizes before PCL, supporting the sentence’s rationale. It does not assign 15 nm lamellae to PLLA or 10 nm lamellae to PCL; the same section says the exact origin of the SAXS reflections needs further investigation. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

WAXS showed both PLLA and PEO reflections, but some PLLA and PEO reflections overlap, so the presence of PEO crystals could only be indirectly confirmed.

“Both PLLA and PEO reflections were observed.However, some reflections of PLLA and PEO crystals overlap (more details are in 35 ).Therefore, after the WAXS experiment, the presence of the PEO crystals could only be indirectly confirmed.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The Non-Isothermal Crystallization section reports that the PLLA 203 reflection coincides with the PEO 120 reflection, supporting the overlap claim. But it also identifies a separate PEO reflection as evidence of PEO crystallization and says the WAXS patterns confirm the terpolymers’ triple-crystalline nature beyond doubt. It does not support the claim that PEO crystals could only be indirectly confirmed. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

In a previous report, three different lamellar thicknesses of 15, 10, and 7 nm were identified by AFM.

“In our previous report 35 , we were able to identify three different lamellar thicknesses by AFM (15, 10, and 7 nm), and we hypothesized about their origin.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceCould not verify

  The SAXS characterization and morphology sections discuss lamellar structures and SAXS long periods, but do not report AFM measurements of lamellar thickness. Searches for AFM, lamellar thickness, and 15, 10, and 7 nm found no passage in our copy establishing the claimed measurements. (LLM, conf=0.75)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

PEO crystallizes last, growing its lamellar crystals inside the available interlamellar spaces beside PCL and PLLA lamellae, because it is covalently bonded to the PCL block.

“The last block to crystallize is the PEO block, and it has no other option but to grow its lamellar crystals inside the available interlamellar spaces aside PCL and PLLA lamellae, as it is covalently bonded to the PCL block.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

Upon cooling from the melt, PLLA crystallizes first, creating a spherulitic superstructural template.

“Upon cooling from melt, PLOM and WAXS experiments confirmed that PLLA crystallizes first, creating a spherulitic superstructural template.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The WAXS results say PLLA crystallizes first, and the Conclusions say its crystallization templates the morphology upon cooling from the melt. However, the Conclusions also report that PLOM shows a composition-dependent shape: the template is spherulite-like at higher PLLA content but resembles axialites at lower PLLA content. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

The templated morphology did not change during the successive crystallization of the PEO and PCL blocks, and only a slight change in the magnitude of the birefringence was observed.

“The templated morphology did not change during the successive crystallization of the other PEO and PCL blocks, and only a slight change in the magnitude of the birefringence was observed.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The Morphology section and Conclusions (page not provided) say that PCL and PEO crystallization do not alter the PLLA-templated superstructure. They describe clear changes in birefringence, including intense brightness after PCL crystallization, rather than only a slight change. (LLM, conf=0.88)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims.

During the final cooling to 25 °C, the PEO block can crystallize, forming the thinnest lamellae of the three components.

“Finally, the sample was quenched to 25 ºC at 100 ºC min -1 (during this cooling, the PEO block can crystallize 35 , forming the thinnest lamellae of the three components).”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The Morphology section reports that PEO can crystallize after a final quench to room temperature, supporting the cooling portion of the claim. It describes three types of lamellae but does not say that PEO forms the thinnest; a search for comparative lamellar thickness found no such statement in our copy. Page numbers were not available. (LLM, conf=0.86)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The melting point values reported are a range because they depend on previous thermal history and scanning rates.

“The melting point values reported here are a range because they depend on previous thermal history (controlled cooling or isothermal crystallization) and scanning rates employed during their determination (1, 5 or 20 ºC/min)”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [34] Sun, 2004, Study on crystalline morphology of poly(L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer, Polymer sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The DSC methods and Tables 3 and 5 (page not specified) report melting temperatures after different thermal histories, supporting the idea that the reported values can form a range. But the paper uses 1 °C/min for cooling, not for determining melting points, and its isothermal crystallization protocol concerns morphological observations; the claim overstates the stated basis for the range. (LLM, conf=0.84)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

After using a more diluted 0.1 wt% sample solution, AFM height images at 25 °C show a clear trilayered morphology with three lamellar thickness populations: 18, 14, and 10 nm.

“After employing a more diluted sample solution, the Dimension Icon AFM microscope confirms the multiphasic lamellar morphology that the authors hypothesized earlier.35 An extraordinary view of the tri-lamellar arrangement is given by the AFM height images taken at 25 °C (see Figure 9a).”

• Also stated in: § The interlamellar self-assembly of the PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymer · plain

  “After a closer observation and exhaustive measurements, three populations of different lamellar thickness were identified: 18, 14, and 10 nm (see Figure 9d).”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourceSupported

May combine two claims.

The Dimension Icon AFM microscope showed to some extent the random lamellar arrangement proposed earlier and gives clear evidence of the multi-crystalline morphology of triple crystalline PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers.

“What is significant is that the Dimension Icon AFM microscope not only showed to some extent the random lamellar arrangement proposed earlier, 35 but in addition, it gives clear evidence of the multi-crystalline morphology of triple crystalline PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The citation follows the reference to an earlier proposed lamellar arrangement, not the citing authors’ Dimension Icon AFM observation. In the SAXS characterization section (page unavailable), the source proposes three types of crystalline lamellae within spherulites; the Morphology section describes an irregular superstructure. It does not specifically propose that the lamellae are randomly arranged. (LLM, conf=0.77)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

A previous SAXS analysis suggested that a lamella of either PEO or PCL randomly inserts between two adjacent PLLA lamellae.

“In our previous publication, 35 an exhaustive theoretical analysis of SAXS characterization upon heating suggested that a lamella of either PEO or PCL randomly inserts between two adjacent PLLA lamellae.”

• cites [35] Palacios, 2016, Sequential crystallization and morphology of triple crystalline biodegradable PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymers, RSC Adv. sourcePartly supported

  The SAXS characterization section reports measurements during heating and suggests a structure containing three types of crystalline lamellae. The Morphology section places PCL crystallization in regions between PLLA lamellae and describes PEO crystallization within the same spherulites, but it does not propose that a PEO or PCL lamella randomly inserts between each pair of adjacent PLLA lamellae. It says further investigation is needed to explain the exact origin of the SAXS reflections; the claimed exhaustive theoretical analysis is not supported. (LLM, conf=0.85)

  Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The molecular weight distributions obtained were relatively narrow (Ð < 1.20).

“We obtained molecular weight distributions (Ð< 1.20) that can be considered relatively narrow.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Until now, it was not possible to assign without doubts to which block each lamellar thickness corresponds.

“However, and until now, it was not possible to assign without doubts to which block correspond each lamellar thickness.”

May combine two claims.

The PLLA lamellae remained unchanged and at the exact position as marked in Figure 5b after heating to 70 °C.

“The PLLA lamellae remained unchanged and at the exact position as they were marked with red dotted lines in Figure 5b.”

May combine two claims.

In WAXS, at 25 °C both PCL and PLLA phases are present; beyond 60 °C the PCL reflections disappeared due to melting while PLLA crystals remained unmolten; PLLA phase melts completely at 160 °C.

“It can be seen in Figure 4b that at 25 °C, both PCL, and PLLA phases are present.But beyond 60 °C, the reflections of the crystallographic planes of the PCL disappeared due to the melting of the crystals while the PLLA crystals remained unmolten.The PLLA phase melts completely at 160 °C (see Figure 4c).”

May combine two claims.

By employing in situ hot-stage AFM, the presence of the three clear, distinct phases was shown and the DSC and WAXS observations were corroborated.

“In this work, on the other hand, by employing in situ hot-stage AFM, we are able to show the presence of the three clear, distinct phases and corroborate the DSC and WAXS observations.”

May combine two claims.

The as-crystallized diblock sample consists of different phases that include PCL and PLLA crystalline phases and a mixed amorphous phase containing both PCL and PLLA block chains.

“The as-crystallized sample (crystallized as explained in Figure 1) consists of different phases that include PCL and PLLA crystalline phases and a mixed amorphous phase (containing both PCL and PLLA blocks chains).”

May combine two claims.

The characteristic crystallographic planes of the α-form of PLLA crystals (110/200 and 113/203) and the 110, 111 and 200 reflections of PCL crystals were observed.

“The characteristic crystallographic planes of the α-form of the PLLA crystals (110/200 and 113/203) can be observed, as well as, the 110, 111 and 200 reflections of the PCL crystals.”

May combine two claims.

Most of the lamellae in the diblock copolymer sample have grown in an edge-on fashion, allowing lamellar thickness measurements.

“Most of the lamellae have grown in an edge-on fashion, allowing lamellar thickness measurements.”

May combine two claims.

At 70 °C, both PEO and PCL crystals are molten, and the phase marked with the white dotted line in Figure 6a and b disappeared.

“At this temperature, both PEO and PCL crystals are molten.It is clear that the phase marked with the white dotted line in Figure 6a and b disappeared in Figure 6c and d (signaled with a yellow dotted line).”

May combine two claims.

At 25 °C, AFM height images of the triblock terpolymer show some lamellae grew edge-on, while others are slightly tilted.

“At 25 °C, it can be seen that some lamellae grew edge-on, while others are slightly tilted.”

May combine two claims.

AFM observed lamellae of both PCL and PEO intercalating between two PLLA lamellae, and also only one PEO lamella between two PLLA lamellae.

“However, the nanoscale structure observed in lamellae of both PCL and PEO (green and blue dotted lines) intercalate between two lamellae of PLLA (red dotted lines).But, it is also possible to observe only one lamella of PEO (blue dotted line) in between two lamellae of PLLA.”

May combine two claims.

Detailed AFM measurements of lamellar thickness at 25 °C revealed two populations: a thickest one of 17 nm and another phase of 11 nm between these lamellae.

“Detailed measurements of the lamellar thickness at 25 °C (see Figure 6a and b) revealed two populations of different lamellar thickness.The thickest one is 17 nm (red dotted line), and between these lamellae, another phase measures 11 nm (white dotted lines).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

PLOM observations indicated that the microscale structure is templated by the PLLA block as a result of its crystallization.

“PLOM observations indicated that the microscale structure is templated by the PLLA block as a result of its crystallization.”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

May combine two claims.

The PLLA and PCL block length in both terpolymer and diblock copolymer was very similar to avoid any influence of molecular weight on crystallization.

“The PLLA and PCL block length in both terpolymer and diblock copolymer was very similar (see Table 1) to avoid any influence of molecular weight on crystallization.”

May combine two claims.

The PLLA block crystallizes first and produces a spherulitic template where the PCL and PEO blocks have to crystallize.

“The PLLA block crystallizes first and produces a spherutilic template where the PCL and PEO blocks have to crystallize.”

May combine two claims.

The lamellar structure observed at 70 °C corresponds to PLLA lamellae, which are 15 nm in thickness.

“Therefore, the lamellar structure observed at 70 °C corresponds to PLLA lamellae, which are 15 nm in thickness.”

May combine two claims.

The assignment of PLLA and PCL lamellae is confirmed when the sample is heated to 70 °C, where only PLLA crystals remain and PCL lamellae have melted.

“However, this assignment is confirmed when the sample is heated to 70 °C (see Figure 5d).At that temperature, only the PLLA crystals remain, and the PCL lamellae have melted.”

May combine two claims.

The PEO23PCL34PLLA43 19.9 triblock terpolymer has the same PLLA and PCL block lengths as the diblock copolymer, and the PEO block is the smallest, allowing comparisons without influence of molecular weights of the blocks.

“The sample selected, the PEO23PCL34PLLA43 19.9 , is a triblock terpolymer with the same PLLA and PCL block lengths as in the previously discussed diblock copolymer.The length of the PEO block is the smallest one (see Table 1).Thus, comparisons between the triblock terpolymer and the diblock copolymer (which is the precursor of the triblock terpolymer) can be made without any influence of molecular”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The WAXS temperature resolution was 0.5 °C.

“An acquisition time of 6 s was used for each pattern.Thus, the temperature resolution was 0.5 °C.”

May combine two claims.

At 81 °C, the PEO and PCL blocks are molten, and only the PLLA block has the ability to crystallize.

“Hence, at 81 °C, the PEO and PCL blocks are molten, and only the PLLA block has the ability to crystallize.”

May combine two claims.

The observation of dark interlamellar regions is an indication of the melting of PCL lamellae and clear evidence of the alternated lamellar structure, in which PCL lamellae locate in an interdigitated fashion between PLLA lamellae when crystallized within previously formed PLLA spherulitic or axialitic templates.

“Being the amorphous phase a softer one, that observation is an indication of the melting of PCL lamellae and a clear evidence of the alternated lamellar structure, in which the PCL lamellae locates in an interdigitated fashion between the PLLA lamellae when it crystallizes within the previously formed PLLA spherulitic or axialitic templates.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The amorphous phase is mechanically softer than the crystalline phase.

May combine two claims.

At 49.5 °C, only the PCL block can crystallize, surrounded by previously formed PLLA crystals, and the PEO block remains molten.

“Then, at 49.5 °C, only the PCL block can crystallize (surrounded by the previously formed PLLA crystals), and the PEO block remains molten.”

May combine two claims.

PLA is a more rigid material than PCL, with tensile modulus values between 3000 and 4000 MPa for PLA and around 300-400 MPa for PCL.

“In general, tensile modulus values between 3000 and 4000 MPa have been reported for PLA, 64 , while PCL has been described as a softer material with modulus around 300-400 MPa.65 Hence PLA is a more rigid material than PCL.”

• cites [64] Ho, 2003, Crystallization-induced orientation for microstructures of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) diblock copolymers, Macromolecules sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [65] Casas, 2011, Single crystals morphology of biodegradable double crystalline PLLA-b-PCL diblock copolymers, Polymer sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Silver behenate and Cr2O3 standards were used to perform the WAXS calibration.

“Silver behenate and Cr2O3 standards were used to perform the calibration.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

These observations demonstrate the importance of a suitable sample preparation method and crystallization protocol to promote a clear lamellar crystalline morphology.

“These observations demonstrate the importance of a suitable sample preparation method and crystallization protocol to promote a clear lamellar crystalline morphology.”

May combine two claims.

The crystallization time of each isothermal step was 1 h, which is sufficient time to induce the thickest lamellar thickness at the conditions chosen and a saturated crystallization process.

“The crystallization time of each isothermal step was 1 h, which is sufficient time to induce the thickest lamellar thickness at the conditions chosen and a saturated crystallization process (see Figure 1).”

May combine two claims.

At 60 °C, only the rigid higher-modulus crystalline phase of the PLLA block is observed, surrounded by a darker area corresponding to the melt mixed PCL/PEO phase.

“Therefore, at 60 °C, only the rigid-higher modulus crystalline phase of the PLLA block is observed, surrounded by a darker area (signaled with yellow dotted lines) that correspond to the melt mixed PCL/PEO phase.”

May combine two claims.

At 45 °C, the thinnest lamellae disappear, proving they belong to PEO crystals.

“Figure 9b shows the AFM height image of the sample after heating to 45 °C.A closer observation (see Figure 9e) revealed the disappearance of the thinnest lamellae that were first marked with blue dotted lines.Since the PEO block melts at this temperature, the AFM height image proves undoubtedly that the thinnest lamellae belong to the PEO crystals.”

May combine two claims.

At 60 °C, the medium size lamellae disappear while the thickest lamellae remain, and only the PLLA block is crystalline while PEO and PCL are completely molten.

“Further heating the sample up to 60 °C causes the melting of the PCL phase.The medium size lamellae, indicated with a green dotted line in Figure 9, have now disappeared while the thickest lamellae marked with the red dotted line remain (see Figures 9c and f).At that temperature, only the PLLA block is crystalline, while the other two are completely molten.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The small differences between AFM techniques are due to their inherent sensitivity to measurement errors.

“As was aforementioned, the small differences between AFM techniques obey their inherent sensitiveness to measurement errors.”

May combine two claims.

The 18 nm lamellae are PLLA, the 14 nm lamellae are PCL, and the 10 nm lamellae are PEO.

“Since the PEO block melts at this temperature, the AFM height image proves undoubtedly that the thinnest lamellae belong to the PEO crystals.”

• Also stated in: § The interlamellar self-assembly of the PEO-b-PCL-b-PLLA triblock terpolymer · boosted

  “The AFM images upon sequential heating confirm that the 14 nm lamellae are PCL block lamellar crystals, and the 18 nm lamellae correspond to the PLLA block.”

• Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain

  “The thickest lamellae belong to the PLLA block, the medium size lamellae to the PCL block, and the thinnest lamellae to the PEO block.”

May combine two claims.

Under standard crystallization conditions, the PEO and PCL blocks in PEO23PCL34PLLA43 19.9 melt at approximately 45 and 54 °C, respectively, while the PLLA block melts at around 112-122 °C.

“Under standard crystallization conditions, the PEO and PCL blocks in the PEO23PCL34PLLA43 19.9 triblock terpolymer melt at approximately 45 and 54 °C, respectively, while the PLLA block does it at a much higher temperature, around 112-122 °C (see also Table 1).33”

• cites [33] Wang, 2006, Synthesis, sequential crystallization and morphological evolution of well-defined star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(L-lactide) block copolymer, Macromol. Chem. Phys. sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

SAXS analysis is a broader range technique that can assess the structural features of the system in bulk.

“Despite this observation, it is essential to understand that the SAXS analysis is a broader range technique that can assess the structural features of the system in bulk.”

May combine two claims.

PCL and PEO have comparable mechanical properties, which makes it difficult to differentiate them in AFM modulus images at 25 °C.

“The reason is probably that PCL and PEO have comparable mechanical properties.65,68”

• cites [65] Casas, 2011, Single crystals morphology of biodegradable double crystalline PLLA-b-PCL diblock copolymers, Polymer sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites [68] Back, 2002Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

AFM is a surface characterization tool that scans a very particular area of the sample surface and therefore might not represent the entire sample.

“On the contrary, the AFM technique is a surface characterization tool that scans a very particular area of the sample surface and, therefore, might not represent the entire sample.”