Chain folding is a process in which polymer chains, during crystallization, bend back on themselves to form a regular, ordered structure. This phenomenon is crucial in defining the morphology of semicrystalline polymers, where the crystalline regions consist of these folded chains that stack together in a way that optimizes packing density. Chain folding contributes to the mechanical properties, thermal behavior, and overall stability of the polymer material.
congrats on reading the definition of chain folding. now let's actually learn it.