Phase behaviour and morphology from a current viewpoint

The presentation is to give an overview of polymer morphology from the standpoint of recent developments with emphasis on the underlying phase transformations. In the latter context it is essential to recognize that with the exception of special systems having complex equilibrium surfaces, the conventionally considered morphology represents a non‐equilibrium state, hence a metastable state of matter arising from phase transformation having been arrested at some stage before the transformation was complete. In respect to the term ‘complete’ distinction needs to be made between completeness of material conversion and attainment of the equilibrium phase size and shape, a distinction which acquires special significance in polymeric systems as will be illustrated and discussed.