<P> Responsive polymer composites were developed by incorporating a functional
component into a nonpolar amorphous polymer. The response of the polymer
composite is the change in color observed upon exposing the composite to different
acids. One application could be a device to monitor the diffusion of different acids
in different polymers. </p> <p> The research contained within this thesis deals with an investigation of basic
properties of polymer composites. This was accomplished, first through the
preparation of a composite of phenolphthalein disodium and Linear Low Density
Polyethylene (LLDPE), second, by monitoring the decolorizing process and the
aspects that affect it. The investigations included the extrusion parameters, types
of acid, acid concentration and indicator concentration, and lastly by quantifying
the process through the comparison of empricial diffusion coefficients and
corresponding diffusion rates. </p> <p> This study has shown that decolorization occurs at a fast pace in the presence of
acetic acid and slow in the presence of hydrochloric acid. Further as the indicator
concentration increases, the decolorization process becomes slower.
Techniques used to monitor the properties were Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM) micrographs of freeze fractured composites, Differential Scanning
Calorimetry (DSC) scans for the starting materials as well as the composites, and
photography of the cross-sections of sample composite cylinders. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/19247 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Asfour, fadi |
| Contributors | Stover, Harald, Chemistry |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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