Carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation studies of the effect of water on ion-selective electrode membranes

(13)C spin-lattice relaxation studies on bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DOA) plasticized poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) membranes are reported for plasticization levels ranging from 25 to 100 wt% plasticizer. The interaction between DOA and PVC molecules in these membranes appears to involve an entrapment of the plasticizer molecule within the polymer matrix. This is based on the constancy of the characteristic segmental motions of the plasticizer chains throughout the concentration range studied. The segmental mobility of the plasticizer component is modified by water absorption in the membrane. The pattern of characteristic segmental motions of the plasticizer is altered, the effect depending on the amount of added salt in the membrane. The results show water has a weak influence on the microviscosity of the membrane matrix.