Macromolecular Symposia · 2003 · 17 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials SciencePhysical ChemistryPolymer ChemistryPolymer MaterialsCoatingsPolymer NetworksPolymer PhysicsPolymer StructurePolymer ThermodynamicsPolymer Thin FilmsChemical CrosslinkingCrosslinked NetworksEvaporation RatesPolymer CrosslinkingPolymer Phase SeparationPolymer Thermodynamic StabilityPolymer-solvent InteractionsSolvent-induced Phase Separation
Abstract Changes in solvent activity and thermodynamic stability of a system undergoing crosslinking in the presence of a solvent are modeled by combination of branching theory with thermodynamics of polymer solutions and swelling of a crosslinked polymer. The system is considered as a quasiternary one in which the solvent, polydisperse soluble polymer (sol) and crosslinked network, respectively, represent the components. Crosslinking brings about growth of polymer structures but also changes in polymer‐solvent interactions. The results are compared with onset of phase separation and changes in evaporation rates from films formed from a hydroxy‐functional star oligomer and triisocyanate.