Influence of the sorption of polar and non‐polar solvents on the glass transition temperature of polyamide 6,6 amorphous phase

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of a series of polar, amphiphilic, and non‐polar solvents of various molecular weights on the glass transition (Tg) of polyamide 6,6 (PA66) amorphous phase was studied. The sorption at equilibrium was measured by immersing the polymer in each solvent. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) were used to characterize the Tg of solvent‐saturated samples. It was observed that the solvent sorption provokes a drop on the polymer Tg, depending on the interactions between the polymer and the solvents. Polar molecules are absorbed in large amounts and decrease the Tg by more than 80°C, whereas non‐polar molecules are absorbed in very small quantities but have a large effect on Tg as well. The sorption equilibrium and Tg shift in the presence of the E10 mixture (10%vol ethanol, 45%vol toluene, and 45%vol isooctane) were also analyzed. A large E10 intake and a Tg drop close to that with pure ethanol are observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers