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The mutual diffusion coefficient for (meth)acrylate monomers as determined with a nuclear microprobe.
Christian M Leewis1, Peter H A Mutsaers, Arthur M De Jong
1Accelerator Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands. c.m.leewis@tue.nl
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|July 23, 2004
Summary
This study quantifies the mutual diffusion coefficient of acrylic monomers using nuclear microprobe analysis. Researchers determined diffusion profiles in polymer films, revealing concentration-dependent diffusion behavior.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding monomer diffusion is crucial for polymer film fabrication.
- Previous methods lacked precision in determining diffusion coefficients.
- Acrylic monomers are widely used in polymer synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the mutual diffusion coefficient (DV) of two acrylic monomers.
- To investigate the concentration dependence of monomer diffusion.
- To establish a method for precise diffusion coefficient measurement.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of polymer films by monomer diffusion and UV photo-polymerization.
- Analysis of concentration profiles using a scanning 2.1 MeV proton microprobe.
- Detection of marker elements (Cl, Si) via proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE).
Main Results:
- Mutual diffusion coefficient (DV) was determined for acrylic monomers.
- Diffusion coefficient was found to be concentration-dependent, indicated by asymmetric profiles.
- A linear dependence approximation yielded a ratio b=(0.38±0.15).
Conclusions:
- The mutual diffusion coefficient DV = (2.9±0.6)x10⁻¹⁰ m²/s at a 1:1 monomer ratio.
- Flory-Huggins theory was used to estimate individual monomer diffusion coefficients.
- Nuclear microprobe analysis provides accurate measurements of monomer diffusion in polymer systems.