Abstract
The analogy between semidilute polymer solutions and swollen polymer networks is reviewed
and some implications of current theories are considered. Small-angle neutron scattering has been used to
measure a characteristic correlation length in randomly cross-linked polystyrene gels at swelling equilibrium
in cyclohexane over the range 308-333 K and in toluene at ambient temperature. The equilibrium polymer
volume fraction ranged from ca. 0.01 to 0.3, depending on the cross-link density and the solvent used. These
results, together with those from earlier quasi-elastic light scattering measurements, were compared with reported
scaling laws for polymer solutions. Although similar behavior was noted, the presence of permanent cross-links
restricts the region wherein strong excluded volume effects are evident.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 434-441 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Macromolecules |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 1986 |
Keywords
- semidilute polymer solution
- swollen polymer network
- small-angle neutron-scattering
- polystyrene gel