POLYMER

CHARACTERIZATION,
ANALYSIS AND
TESTING

PHYSICAL PHARMACY 2

Polymer
Characterization
Branch of polymer science which is concerned
with the characterization of polymeric
materials on a variety of levels:
molecular mass
molecular structure
morphology
thermal properties
mechanical properties
CHE ELECTIVE III

Polymer
Solution
s

CONTENT
1. What Solvents will dissolve what
polymer?
2. What are effects of polymer-solvent
interaction that influence the solution
properties?
3. To what applications do the interesting
properties of polymer solutions lead?

How does a polymer

dissolves?
According to Chemistry:

LIKE DISSOLVES LIKE

POLAR MACROMOLECULES like poly (acrylic acid), poly
(acrylamide) and polyvinyl alcohol, among others, are soluble
in water
NONPOLAR POLYMERS such as polystyrene, poly(methyl
methacrylate), poly(vinyl chloride), and poly(isobutilene), are
soluble in nonpolar solvents.

How does a polymer

dissolves?
According to Thermodynamics:

Will dissolve If:

G = H TS < 0
G - the change in Gibbs free energy
H - the change in enthalpy
T- the absolute temperature
S- the change in entropy

How does a polymer

dissolves?
G = H TS < 0

A positive H solvent and polymer prefer their own

company, the pure materials are in a lower energy state.
A negative H the solution is in the lower energy state,
specific interactions are formed such as hydrogen bonding
between the solvents and polymer molecules.
Absolute T is positive

Why S is usually positive?

PHYSICAL PHARMACY 2

How does a polymer

dissolves?
According to Physical Chemistry:

HILDERBRAND EQUATION

s and p are the volume fractions of solvent and

polymer
sand p are solubility parameter for solvent and polymer

(s - p ) < 4.0
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How does a polymer

dissolves?
Example:

Does Nylon 6.6 dissolves in water?

From the table:

(water - nylon6.6)
= (47.9 - 27.8) MPa1/2
= 20.1 MPa1/2 >> 4.00

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SOLUBILITY FACTORS

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SWELLING

DISSOLUTI
ON
PHYSICAL PHARMACY 2

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Polymer Interactions in
Solutions

Motor Fuel
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In order to reduce the temperature sensitivity, block

copolymers of polystyrene -hydrogenated
polyisoprene are added.

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Other Interactions in
Solutions
Formation of polymer complexes. Some
biological macromolecules reactions are
important especially on effects of drugs, viscosity
Binding of ions to macromolecules. E.g.
calcium ions to polysaccharides
Adsorption of macromolecules. Stabilizers for
suspension and emulsion

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Industrial
Applications of
Polymer Solution
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Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Soapy Water

EFFECT: Selective precipitation onto clothing fibers

APPLICATION: Prevents oils from redepositing on
clothing during detergent washing: antiredeposition agent

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Proteins

Wine

EFFECT: Gels on reacting with tannin

APPLICATION: Clarification of wines, removes
colloidal matter

PHYSICAL PHARMACY 2

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Polystyrene

Triglyceride oil

EFFECT: Viscosity control, phase-separates during oil

polymerization
APPLICATION: Oil-based house paints, makes
coatings harder, tougher

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Polyurethane

Esters

EFFECT: Solvent vehicle evaporates, leaving polymer

film for glues, solvent enters mating surfaces
APPLICATION: Varnishes, shellac, and glues
(adhesives)
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PHYSICAL PHARMACY 2

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