Summary: We explored the diffusion mechanisms in a series of liquid/glassy polymer interphases. The diffusion experiments were performed in a unique way: the temperature range studied encompassed the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the glassy matrices. We observed that the diffusion behavior of the liquid polymer was remarkably continuous when passing through the matrix Tg, and that the diffusion modes at the liquid/glassy interphases were very similar to those observed in liquid/liquid polymer diffusion.
Diffusion profiles of liquid PS in glassy PPO obtained by confocal Raman spectroscopy. The sample was held at 160 °C for the times indicated in the plot.
