Equilibrium solubility of alcohols in polystyrene attained by controlled diffusion

The solubility of alcohols in a polystyrene matrix during the diffusion process was measured by a gravimetric technique. It is shown that the amount of solvent swelling the polymer reaches an equilibrium saturation, which is dependent on the system and temperature, but independent on the sample preparation. Phase diagrams, similar to those measured by TM-DSC and cloud points of known mixtures, can therefore be constructed. These measurements provide accurate and reliable data for a theoretical treatment. The results have been interpreted by Flory–Huggins theory. Interaction parameters as well as their entropic and enthalpic components have been calculated. An analysis based on Hansen solubility parameters has also been performed.