Gradient Polymers by Diffusion Polymerization.

Abstract

Gradient polymers are multicomponent polymers whose structures or compositions are not macroscopically homogeneous, but vary as a function of position in the sample. One method to prepare such polymers is by diffusing a guest monomer into a host polymer, and then polymerizing the monomer in position to retain the concentration gradient created by the diffusion. One series of such type of materials were prepared by diffusing acrylonitrile into polystyrene. These gradient polymers exhibit improved resistance to hydrocarbon solvents. The second series of gradient polymers were made by diffusion of methyl acrylate into poly (methyl methacrylate). These materials are shown to possess substantially increased fracture strain. Eyring's stress-biased activated rate theory of yielding was used to rationalize the observed toughening effect in gradient polymers.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA015323

Entities

People

  • G. Akovali
  • K. Biliyar
  • Meikun Shen

Organizations

  • University of California, Berkeley

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acrylates
  • Alkenes
  • Composite Materials
  • Dielectric Polymers
  • Diffusion
  • Films
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Materials
  • Methacrylates
  • Polymers

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Polymer Science and Technology