Swelling kinetics of organic colloids in THF and p-dioxane aqueous solutions

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 1984, Vol.97 (2), p.336-347
• Main Authors: Liang, Shu-Jan, Fitch, R.M, Ugelstad, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Latex and emulsion; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/0021-9797(84)90304-7

The kinetics of the swelling of monodisperse, aqueous colloids of polystyrene and dioctyl disulfide were studied in aqueous solutions of tetrahydrofuran and p-dioxane at various concentrations. A novel, rapid, nonintrusive light-scattering technique was employed and was demonstrated to provide reliable data on diffusion coefficients and polymer relaxation rates. The swelling mechanisms are discussed in terms of diffusion, relaxation of polymeric chains, and surface barrier controls. With small fractions of solvent in the polystyrene particles, the polymer is glassy (below its T g), so that the swelling behavior is controlled by the mobility of the polymer chain segments. In this regime the diffusion coefficients are strongly dependent upon the degree of swelling, the nature of the polymer, and the molecular dimensions of the solvent diffusant. As the polymer changes from a glassy state to a rubbery state, the relaxation rate of polymer chains depends on the activity of diffusant. For the polystyrene containing high fractions of solvent, where T > T g, and for the (liquid) disulfide latexes, the swelling mechanism is surface barrier controlled.