Responsive Polymer Composites: LLDPE and Phenolphtalein Disodium Blends

Abstract

<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>