Abstract

AbstractThe concentration of solvent in the gel phase of a swelling polystyrene–divinylbenzene copolymer bead has been measured as a function of the radius by optical interference techniques. It is found that an appreciable gradient exists even shortly after the core disappears. Results are presented for two cases: a very lightly crosslinked bead that exhibits negligible birefringence while swelling, and a more tightly crosslinked network in which the birefringence must be considered. It is also found that the refractive index of the unswollen bead is considerably less than that found by extrapolation from the swollen state; this effect is reasonable when the “free volume” in the bulk polymer is considered.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call