Study on the Crystallization Behavior Induced by Acetone for Polycarbonate With Sulfur‐Containing Main Chain

ABSTRACT This study synthesized a series of sulfur‐containing polycarbonates (SH‐PCs) through melt copolymerization of bisphenol A with 4,4′‐dimercaptodiphenyl sulfide, where sulfur content was systematically controlled by adjusting monomer feed ratios. The incorporation of sulfur atoms significantly enhanced the crystallization capability, as evidenced by polarized optical microscopy showing maltese cross in acetone‐solvated SH‐PCs within 2 h. Crystallization kinetics demonstrated sulfur‐content dependency, with differential scanning calorimetry and x‐ray diffraction analyses revealing progressive increases in crystallinity and grain size. Notably, the high‐sulfur SH‐PC‐E achieved 65.9% crystallinity with 42.6 Å grain size after 2 h acetone induction, while the crystallinity of BAPC was only 26%. Comparative SEM characterization revealed distinct surface morphologies; SH‐PCs developed spherical flower‐like structures due to enhanced crystallization. These findings provide mechanistic insights into sulfur‐induced crystallization modification.