Miscibility prediction based on the corresponding states theory: poly(ethylene oxide)/atactic poly(methyl methacrylate) system

Abstract

A version of the corresponding states theorem of Prigogine for a polymer liquid system has been applied to a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/atactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (At-PMMA) mixture and found to afford a good prediction of miscibility for this system semi-quantitatively. A value of the contact energy term, X 12, of −0.3 J cm −3 was calculated by using independent literature values of interaction parameter, x 12, computed at about 80°C. The shape of the curve of x 12 V* 1 over temperature indicates that the PEO/At-PMMA mixture is miscible in the liquid state from 0 to 200°C. Extrapolation of x 12 V* 1 curve predicts a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of about 350°C for this system.