Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions: Phase Equilibria and Critical Phenomena(Polymer Science Library S.)

This is the first self-contained book on the thermodynamics and critical phenomena of polymer solutions, ranging from the rather elementary level to the advanced and up-to-date level. The book covers the rigorous theories of phase equilibrium, computer experiments based on these theories, as well as actual experiments, molecular fractionation and application to membrane and fiber production. An extensive list of references and literature data on the thermodynamic interaction x-parameter, critical point, fractionation and polymer blends is also provided. This book should prove invaluable for courses on polymer science, thermodynamics and polymer solutions at graduate, university and polytechnic level.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction. 2. Quasi-binary solutions of polydisperse polymers and a single solvent. Gibbs' free energy of mixing DG. Chemical potentials D m 0 and D m xi . Two-phase separation characteristics. Fractionation based on solubility differences. Spinodal curve and critical solution point. Cloud point curve. Flory temperature and Flory entropy parameter. Flory enthalpy parameter. Experimental determination of phase diagram on polymer solutions. 3. Quasi-ternary solution consisting of multicomponent polymer dissolved in binary solvent mixture. Chemical potential. Two-phase separation characteristics. Spinodal curve and critical solution point. Flory solvent composition. Cosolvency. Fractionation based on solubility differences. 4. Quasi-binary solution consisting of multicomponent polymer 1 and multicomponent polymer 2 system. Introduction. Theoretical background of the critical solution point and spinodal curve. Theoretical background of the cloud point curve. Effect of polymer characteristics on two-phase equilibrium of multicomponent polymer 1 and multicomponent polymer 2. Experimental determination of polymer-polymer interaction parameter x 1 2 . 5. Quasi-ternary solution consisting of multicomponent polymer 1, multicomponent polymer 2 and single solvent system. Introduction. Spinodal curve and critical solution point. Effects of molecular weight distribution of polymers and three x parameters on the spinodal curve and critical solution point. 6. Application of phase equilibria: Formation of porous polymeric membrane by phase separation method. Introduction. Nucleation and growth of particles. Growth of primary particles by amalgamation to give secondary particles. Formation of pores by contacting the secondary particles. Critical points of casting solution/nonsolvent system and pore shape of membranes cast from the solution. Experimental relations between the solvent-casting conditions and pore characteristics of membranes. Formation of multi-layered structure of membranes. Some of the performances of multi-layered membranes. 7. Concluding remarks. Glossary of symbols. Author index. Subject index