| Abstract: | A dynamic method for investigating the mechanism of permeation and diffusion through polymers has been explored. The permeation cell consists of two compartments separated by the membrane. The permeant (gas, vapor, or liquid) is introduced into one compartment; a carrier gas (helium) flows at constant rate through the other and sweeps the permeant which diffuses through the membrane to the thermal conductivity detector. Both compartments are at atmospheric pressure; thus no or little membrane support is required, and leakage problems are minimal. Moreover, the same membrane can be used over a wide temperature range and for diverse permeants. The detector signal is at any instant proportional to the permeation rate. A simple mathematical formalism for deriving the diffusion coefficient from the transient permeation rates has been developed. The measured diffusion and permeability coefficients of CO2, O2, and N2 through low-density polyethylene closely agree with literature values. Permeation of hexane and benzene through polyethylene follows a complex diffusion law, and the rate depends on the thermal history of the system. The dynamic method is particularly suited to the study of transitions in polymers. Changes in permeation rates, usually occurring at transition points, can easily be discovered by slow temperature scanning of the system. |
