The crystalline characteristics of poly p-dioxanone(PPDO) with high molecular weights was researched using differential scanning calorimeter(DSC),polarized optical microscopy (POM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).DSC curves of all samples revealed the same crystallization behaviors. The results showed that when the molecular weight of PPDO reaches a certain level (Mw>30 000 g/mol),it will not influence both the crystallization behavior and the glass transition temperature of PPDO. The spherulitic growth rate of PPDO with different molecular weight was investigated using a POM. PPDO-4 (Mw=277 700 g/mol) had the highest molecular weight and the smallest spherulitic growth rate. The results confirmed that the higher the molecular weight and crystallization temperature, the smaller the spherulitic growth rate.
