Phase separation in solutions of vinyl polymers

Abstract

Abstract When polymers of two different chemical species are dissolved in a common solvent the resulting solution usually separates into two phases. No obvious relation between phase separation and chemical nature of the monomeric units was observed. Solute molecular weight, temperature, and nature of the solvent were shown to be factors in determining the course of phase separation. A concept of phase separation is suggested which involves low entropy of mixing, greater attraction between like than unlike species of solute, and density differences between solvated polymer molecules.