ALKANE PENETRATION IN ZEOLITE-FILLED POLYSTYRENE SHEETS

Earlier studies of n-alkane penetration of 2-mm polystyrene sheets revealed that a diffusional resistance develops in these relatively thick sheets which retards the otherwise relaxation controlled (Case II) penetration. This study analyzes the effect of the presence of a zeolite in a polystyrene matrix on the penetration behaviour of n-alkanes. The presence of a second phase manifests itself at lower temperature, while at higher temperature it has practically no effect. This behaviour can be explained by attributing two different transport mechanisms acting in glassy and rubbery polymer/penetrant systems, namely Case II and Fickian diffusion, respectively. © 1979.