SORPTION AND DILATION PROPERTIES OF POLY(PARA-PHENYLENE SULFIDE) UNDER HIGH-PRESSURE CARBON-DIOXIDE

Sorption and dilation properties of the system poly(p‐phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and carbon dioxide have been investigated at pressures up to 50 atm over the temperature range 25–85°C. The shapes of the sorption isotherms are in agreement with those predicted by the dual‐mode theory. Analysis of the sorption and dilation isotherms confirms the occurrence of an isothermal glass transition. This occurrence and its corresponding disappearance in the range investigated is discussed. Values of the partial molar volume of CO2 sorbed in PPS are calculated below and above the isothermal transition. Compared with sorption by other polymers, these values were about the same in the glassy state, but were smaller in the rubbery state. Under 50 atm CO2 at 85°C crystallization of amorphous PPS was observed. The crystallinity estimated from the solubility before and after crystallization is about 20%. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.