Characterization of polymer-particle interfacial morphology by gaspermeation test

The most imperceptible alterations in the properties of polymer chains and their free volume can be detectedby Angstrom-sized gas molecules permeating through them. Drawing on this principle, a novel approach hasbeen invented in this study to evaluate the interphase within polymer/particle composites. This methodenables the determination of interphase morphology, thickness, and permeability. The validity of theproposed method is evaluated against the results obtained from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysisfor PES/silica mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). Applying our proposed approach indicates the the meanthickness of the interface in PESSiPDMS2 and PESSiPDMS10 are 64.5±0.5 and 59±1 Å respectively. Thevalues are in good agreement with the results obtained from SAXS analysis, the respective 67±3 and 69±1.4Å. Moreover, our method, similar to SAXS results shows formation of polymer chain dilution layer aroundthe nano particles.

Characterization of polymer-particle interfacial morphology by gaspermeation test Keywords:

Polymer/particle composites , Interphase characterization , Interphase thickness , SAXS analysis , PES-silica composites , Gas permeation.