Solvation In Polymers

Abstract

In this chapter the process of solvation in polymers is discussed. In the first few sections the statistical mechanics of solvation, Flory’s theory of polymer solutions, and its comparison with classical solution methods for interpretation of experimental data are discussed. Sorption of gases in polymers and the methods of calculation of chemical potentials, and hence calculation of Henry’s law constants and sorption isotherms of gases in polymers are discussed in details in Section 11.6. The solvation structures as well as the effect of solvent on equilibrium and dynamics of polymer-size change in solutions are described with the main emphasis on molecular dynamics simulation method to obtain understanding of solvation of nonpolar polymers in nonpolar solvents and that of polar polymers in polar solvents. Finally, the dynamics of solvation with a short review of the experimental, theoretical, and simulation methods are explained in this chapter.