CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMER NETWORKS BY MEASUREMENTS OF THE FREEZING-POINT DEPRESSION

Based on the phenomenon of freezing point depression of a solvent by ΔT, experimental evidence is presented to show that the distance between the junction points can be calculated from ΔT. Direct measurements of the temperature-time-curve of the cooling network and the Differential Scanning Calorimetry offer the determination of ΔT. Except the mean distances -dc in dependence on cross-linking density, swelling degree, and other network parameters, the distribution of the distance between the junction points H(dc) can be determined, which allows conclusions on the course of cross-linking reaction. This paper attempts to give experimental evidence of influences of the breadth of H(dc) on application-relevant properties. © 1990 Steinkopff.