The role of solvent solubility parameters in the formation of intermittent low and high molecular weight polystyrene rich structures in a thin film resulting from water vapor induced phase separation
Maciej Łojkowski, Emilia Choińska, Wojciech Święszkowski
Abstract
The water vapor-induced phase separation of self-similar polymer chains to form highly organized polystyrene thin films was investigated. The Hansen solubility of a set of polystyrenes was determined as a function of molecular weight. The solvent choice for the phase separation of polystyrene in thin films was investigated. Solvents with high hydrogen bonding promote the formation of intermittent phases of polystyrene film. Methyl ethyl ketone and 1,4-dioxane were found to form highly ordered structures.
Topics & Concepts
PolystyreneMaterials scienceSolubilitySolventPolymerThin filmPhase (matter)Chemical engineeringHildebrand solubility parameterHydrogen bondPolymer chemistryOrganic chemistryMoleculeComposite materialNanotechnologyChemistryEngineeringBlock Copolymer Self-AssemblySurfactants and Colloidal SystemsAdvanced Polymer Synthesis and Characterization