Phase separation in polymer solution

Abstract

Abstract The phase separation in solutions of high polymers in the same solvent (technically known as incompatibility) has been studied for fourteen high polymers (cellulose, vinyl, and acrylic derivatives) dissolved in thirteen solvents. The influence of solvent, concentration, molecular weight and constitution of the macromolecules has been studied for 78 mixtures: the results are represented in triangular diagrams. Incompatibility appears to be the normal situation, compatibility the exception. Moreover, in cetain cases the exception may be only apparent. Phase separation is discussed in its relation to osmotic pressure, solubility, and the isomorphism of the molecules. Phase separation furnishes new means—useful at leat for technical research—of measuring the molecular weight of macromolecules. It is a simple and rapid procedure.