THERMODYNAMIC STABILITY IN PLASTICIZED NETWORK POLYMERS

Thermodynamic conditions of phase equilibrium upon phase separation in plasticized network polymers were considered. The results shows that changes in the volume of the network polymer, caused by separation of a part of the plasticizer, strongly influence the conditions thermodynamic equilibrium. An increase in the network density leads to a considerable increase in the maximum possible amount of plasticizer compatible with the polymer. A decrease in the thermodynamic quality of the plasticizer may result that the thermodynamic stability of the system abruptly diminishes.