화학공학소재연구정보센터
Polymer, Vol.51, No.12, 2576-2584, 2010
Characterization of spatial inhomogeneities and dynamic properties of random cross-linked polystyrene networks by dynamic light scattering
The network inhomogeneity and the cooperative motion of the network chains of random cross-linked poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) gels were investigated by dynamic light scattering. Measurements were performed for gels in the preparation state as well as in the swelling equilibrium. Network inhomogeneities and cooperative motion were analyzed at varying the cross-linker concentration and the polymer volume fraction. While the cross-linker concentration has only a minor influence on the inhomogeneity and the diffusion constant D-coop, the polymer volume fraction clearly influences both measured properties. The concentration dependence of D-coop can be well described by a power law, as known for semi-dilute polymer solutions. In the preparation state the networks appear homogeneous, exhibiting dynamic contributions to the scattering intensity of 70-90%. Swollen to equilibrium stage, significant heterogeneities emerge, reducing the dynamic contributions to 10-20%. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.