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Transcrystallization of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) on different fibers (carbon fiber, glass fiber, and aramid fiber) was conducted in a temperature gradient. The Ultra-High-Module carbon fiber (UHMCF), the High-Module carbon fiber, and the aramid fiber (Twaron) showed sufficient nucleation ability to form transcrystallization of iPP in certain temperature ranges. Among them, the UHMCF showed the best nucleation ability. On the contrary, the Intermediate-Module carbon fiber, the HighTenacity carbon fiber, and the E-glass fiber showed too low nucleation ability to form transcrystallization of iPP. One efficient way to induce transcrystallization on these fibers was proved by pulling the fibers in supercooled iPP melts. The interface shear between fiber and supercooled matrix melt on crystallization and the interface temperature gradient between fiber and supercooled matrix melt on crystallization are considered to be two very important factors for the formation of transcrystallization.

The morphology and distribution of zirconium oxide and zirconium phosphates in a matrix of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) were investigated with anomalous small‐angle X‐ray scattering (ASAXS) and electron microscopy. ASAXS revealed that ZrO2 was distributed in the SPEEK matrix in the form of nanoparticles smaller than 13 Å. A decrease in the conductivity suggested that the sulfonic groups were bound to the zirconium oxo species at the particle surface. Furthermore, two kinds of membranes containing zirconium phosphate were investigated. In one case, the phosphate was directly dispersed in the polymer solution for the casting of the membrane. In the other case, the phosphate was previously treated with n‐propyl ammonium and polybenzimidazole. From ASAXS data, the fractal dimension could be estimated. Mass‐fractal behavior was confirmed for the SPEEK membrane containing previously exfoliated zirconium phosphate, with aggregates of 6.3–165 Å. Surface‐fractal behavior was detected for membranes with untreated phosphates, with aggregates of 6.4–185 Å. The untreated phosphates caused an increase in the permeability, without changing the proton conductivity much. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 567–575, 2004