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The role of polymer‐solvent compounds in thermoreversible gelation
Author(s) -
Guenet J.M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19971140111
Subject(s) - polymer , solvent , folding (dsp implementation) , polymer science , materials science , chain (unit) , polymer chemistry , topology (electrical circuits) , chemical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , composite material , mathematics , physics , combinatorics , astronomy , electrical engineering , engineering
The definition of a thermoreversible gel is first discussed through the use of two criteria dealing with topology and with thermodynamics. According to this definition only fibrillar systems, as opposed to spherulitic packings, ought to be considered gels. A simple mechanical test is presented that helps recognize such gels. The gelation mechanisms are briefly reviewed and the importance of the role of the polymer‐solvent compound in preventing chain from folding, which favours fibrillar structures, is stressed. Also, the role of such compounds in gel ageing, particularly in the case of PVC, is highlighted.