Influence of structure on polymer‐liquid interaction. I. Relative and absolute values of swelling equilibria

Abstract

Abstract The swelling of vulcanized natural rubber, Buna S, neoprene, Perbunan, and Perbunan Extra was measured in various organic liquids. The essential influence of polarizability and polarity on the swelling equilibrium is illustrated by comparing series of solvents and polymers with gradually changing geometrical and chemical structure. Experiments on the influence of temperature and of strain on the swelling equilibrium are reported. The swelling properties of ebonites and similar derivatives allow some conclusions on the amount of cross linking in these polymers.