Sorption and diffusion of carbon dioxide in single-phase polystyrene/poly(vinylmethylether) blends

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 34; no. 16; pp. 2723 - 2730
• Main Authors: Mokdad, A., Dubault, A., Monnerie, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 30-11-1996; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; blends; carbon dioxide; diffusion; Exact sciences and technology; Miscellaneous; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; plasticization; poly(vinylmethylether); polystyrene; Properties and characterization; sorption; Gas absorption; Gaseous diffusion; Pressure effect; Property composition relationship; Methyl vinyl ether polymer; Styrene polymer; Experimental study; Mixture
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-0488(19961130)34:16<2723::AID-POLB5>3.0.CO;2-Q

The sorption and transport properties of CO2 in miscible PS/PVME blends at 20°C are reported as a function of pressure from 1 to 15 atm. The complex shape of isotherms for glassy blends and the concentration‐dependent diffusion coefficient for rubbery blends reveal a plasticization by sorbed CO2. The significant depression in Tg has to be taken into account in the analysis of the sorption data. Diffusion coefficient for CO2 passes through a minimum when plotted against the blend composition. Such a behavior can be quantitatively related to the negative volume mixing of the PS/PVME system in the framework of the theories based on unoccupied volume. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.