REAL-TIME MONITORING OF DIFFUSION IN POLYMER-FILMS USING FLUORESCENT TRACER

A method for real-time nondestructive monitoring of small molecules diffusion in polymeric films was developed. The method was based on detection of a fluorescent tracer eluting from the investigated polymer film into the solution in which this film was immersed. The kinetics of the tracer elution, monitored by the increase in solution fluorescence intensity, was used to deduce tracer diffusivity in polymer film. The data were treated using a straightforward mathematical model, describing diffusion from an infinite plane of a certain thickness immersed into a finite solvent bath. Fluorescent 7-diethylamino-4-methyl coumarin was used as a tracer. The diffusion of this tracer within plasticized poly(methyl methacrylate) and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer matrices was monitored. The diffusion coefficients equal to 2 X 10(-9) cm(2)/s and 1 X 10(-9) cm(2)/s, respectively, were obtained. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.