Polymer Solutions and Swollen Vulcanizates

Polymer solutions (i.e., polymers dissolved in low molecular weight solvents) are widely used in industrial compoimds of varying complexity. Synthetic hydrocarbon elastomers are often marketed as oil-extended rubber , which are solutions of the basic elastomer with hydrocarbon mineral oils. Polyvinyl chloride is often marketed in a plasticized form, which are solutions involving low molecular weight esters. Many additives dissolve in polymers forming polymer solutions. In this chapter, we consider the fundamental thermodynamics and rheology of polymer solutions as well as important applications. 

This chapter stands not only in its own right but acts as an introduction to chapter 4, where we are concerned with polymers containing additives in which the question of additive solubility must be discussed. It is also an introduction to chapter 5 where we discuss polymer blends and consider the issue of polymer-polymer miscibility. Solutions of polymers in mixed solvents and similar ternary systems are considered in chapter 6. 

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