Publication at Faculty of Mathematics and Physics |
2015
Abstract
Swelling of cross-linked polymer constructs in which swelling of network is constrained by adhering rigid substrate or another cross-linked polymer (coatings, core-shell particles, and particulate composites of rigid filler in crosslinked matrix) is investigated. The equilibrium state was modeled analytically or by the Finite Element Method.
A Gibbs energy function was selected which respects the finite extensibility of network chains. Also, the additive contribution to the Gibbs energy of swollen systems due to mixing was reformulated.
The mixing of crosslinked polymer with solvent is considered without deforming the network chains, instead of mixing of solvent with an infinite uncross-linked polymer molecule.