Polymer Compatibility by Continuous Thermodynamics

Abstract

By applying a continuous distribution function instead of the mole fractions, mass fractions, etc. of individual components, continuous thermodynamics permits a drastic reduction of the computational expense for calculating phase equilibria in complex multi-component systems such as petroleum fractions, shale oils, polymer solutions, and polymer mixtures. In this paper, continuous thermodynamics is applied to compatibility in mixtures of two polymers. If, e.g., the cloud-point curve is known, the shadow curve, the spinodal, the critical mixing point, and other interesting quantities may easily be calculated. Some examples are given to illustrate the method.