Abstract
A numerical scheme is described that can predict the diffusion and swelling of solvents into a one-dimensional polymer slab. The work extends previous models of non-fickian diffusion and incorporates both generalized fickian diffusion and a concentration dependent viscoelastic response of the polymer. Depending on the relative magnitude of different parameters, both broad and sharp concentration profiles are predicted, together with linear or t ½ mass uptake kinetics. The model is found to successfully predict the experimentally determined mass uptake kinetics of ultra-high molecular mass polyethylene exposed to an organic solvent at low and high temperatures. Significant solvent loadings are observed with linear kinetics at low temperature and t ½ kinetics at higher temperatures.
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Schedule a callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences
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