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Morphological implications of phase transitions in polymer solutions: Study of polyacrylonitrile‐based solutions
Author(s) -
Akki Rashi,
Desai P.,
Abhiraman A. S.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1994.070540908
Subject(s) - polyacrylonitrile , microporous material , polymer , materials science , crystallization , acrylonitrile , phase (matter) , copolymer , polymer science , phase transition , polymer solution , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , thermodynamics , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , physics , engineering
Solution‐based processing of infusible polymers usually involves large quantities of undesirable solvents and transport‐limited morphological evolution that is often difficult to control. The present study constitutes a rational exploration of the phase transitions in polymer solutions to form the basis for new processes that would diminish the abovementioned problems and also identify appropriate mechanisms for controlled generation of useful morphologies. The fundamental concepts in this regard are exemplified through solutions of acrylonitrile‐based homopolymer and copolymers, with important inferences drawn regarding their potential implications for the formation of fibers, films, and membranes. Thermodynamic and kinetic manipulation of transitions such as liquid–liquid phase separation and crystallization is shown to be effective in controlled generation of morphologies ranging from microporous to dense. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.