Energy of adsorption interaction and surface coverage from polymer of various molecular structures

Adsorption from solutions of mixtures of polymers which considerably differ by the parameter of thermodynamics flexibility (sigma) has been studied at various components ratio. Initial and equilibrium concentrations of solutions were determined, surface coverage (theta) and energy of adsorption interaction (Q, kJ/mol of segments) were estimated by means of IR spectroscopy. The objects of investigation were: cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber (PB) and cellulose triacetate (CTA). Aerosil (fumed silica) was used as an adsorbent. Analysis of the experimental data testifies that polymer polarity and its affinity to the surface have the decisive influence on the adsorption. Polar stiff chain CTA has greater affinity to the surface of adsorbent and correspondingly has greater adsorption activity as compared with flexible, but nonpolar PB. The values of energy of adsorption interaction and surface coverage obtained under the adsorption from polymer systems first of all depend on whether the stiff chain polar component or flexible chain nonpolar component prevails in the system. Increase of concentration of the nonpolar PB flexible chain in the system results in diminishing of summary energy of adsorption interaction, but its great flexibility at the same components ratio provides the maximal values of surface coverage. The greater values of the surface coverage under the adsorption from the solutions of polymer mixtures in comparison with the individual solutions are explained by the simultaneous adsorption of both components for all concentration intervals.