Thermal annealing

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011929",
  "term": "Thermal annealing",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A heat treatment process applied to polymeric materials to modify their physical properties, often by increasing crystallinity or relieving internal stresses. The polymer is heated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature but below its melting point, then slowly cooled. This process can lead to changes in mechanical strength, optical clarity, and dimensional stability.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "block copolymer lithography",
    "photolithography",
    "resist"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2020, 92, 1861. 'Terminology of polymers in advanced lithography (IUPAC Recommendations 2020)' on page 1867 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2018-1215)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/thermal-annealing/"
}