Polymer/polymer diffusion. I. Experimental technique

Abstract

Abstract Diffusional processes in polymer blends, although important in determining the characteristics of the blend, are poorly understood. Virtually no data are available in the open literature. A novel experimental technique useful in the study of diffusion in compatible polymer/polymer systems is presented. It uses a scanning electron microscope and dispersive energy analysis of the x‐ray fluorescence profile in the interdiffusion of two polymer components. The technique is used to determine the diffusivity in a poly(vinyl chloride)‐poly(±‐caprolactone) at 70°C. The diffusion coefficient [ D = (1.59 ± .13) × 10 −12 cm 2 /sec] is of the same order as the only reported polymer/ polymer diffusion measurements.