Swelling of Random Copolymer Networks in Pure and Mixed Solvents: Multi-Component Flory-Rehner Theory.

A generalized extension of Flory-Rehner (FR) theory is derived to describe equilibrium swelling of polymer networks, including copolymers with two or more chemically distinct repeat units, in either pure or mixed solvents. The model is derived by equating the chemical potential of each solvent in the liquid and gel phases at equilibrium, while assuming the deformation of the network chains is affine. Simplifications of the model are derived for specific cases involving homopolymer networks, copolymer networks, pure solvents, and binary solvent mixtures.

Structure and Hydrogen Bonding of Water in Polyacrylate Gels: Effects of Polymer Hydrophilicity and Water Concentration.

The ability to tune the hydrophilicity of polyacrylate copolymers by altering their composition makes these materials attractive candidates for membranes used to separate alcohol-water mixtures. The separation behavior of these polyacrylate membranes is governed by a complex interplay of factors such as water and alcohol concentrations, water structure in the membrane, polymer hydrophilicity, and temperature. We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of polymer hydrophilicity and water concentration on the structure and dynamics of water molecules in the polymer matrix.

Combinatorial Methodology for Screening Selectivity in Polymeric Pervaporation Membranes.

Combinatorial methodology is described for rapid screening of selectivity in polymeric pervaporation membrane materials for alcohol-water separations. The screening technique is demonstrated for ethanol-water separation using a model polyacrylate system. The materials studied are cross-linked random copolymers of a hydrophobic comonomer (n-butyl acrylate, B) and a hydrophilic comonomer (2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, H).