molecular nucleation

in polymers
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03995
The initial @C01434@ of a small portion of a macromolecule, after which further @C01434@ is thermodynamically favoured. Molecular nucleation may give rise to a new crystal or increase the size of a pre-existing one.
Source:
Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 85 [Terms] [Book]