Fluorescence Study of Polystyrene/Poly(vinyl methyl ether) Polymer Blends and Effect of Electric Fields on their Miscibility Open Access

Abstract

Abstract
Fluorescence Study of Polystyrene/Poly(vinyl methyl ether) Polymer Blends and Effect of
Electric Fields on their Miscibility
We investigate the miscibility and the phase separation temperature Ts of a miscible
polymer blend polystyrene (PS) /poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). We have developed a
fluorescence technique to measure Ts with the ultimate goal of finding the effect of electric fields
on the miscibility of polymer blends. In developing this fluorescence method, we discuss the
effects of different fluorophores, the sensitivity of the blend to moisture, and the correlation
between reproducibility and the fluorescently labeled PS content. Based on these findings, we
find a substantial difference in Ts between samples cast on clear quartz slides and on ITO-coated
slides. Even though Ts under the presence of electric fields was not attained within the time limit,
this study has laid the groundwork for continuing florescence studies on the effect of electric
fields on the miscibility of PS/PVME blends.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

I. Introduction 1

Miscibility of Polymers and Flory-Huggins Theory 1

PS/PVME: A Prototypical Miscible Blend 3

Previous Fluorescence Method to Measure Phase Separation 4

Effects of Electric Field on Mixing 5

Purpose: Modified Flory-Huggins Theory under Electric Fields 7

II. Experimental 8

Polymer Synthesis 8

Sample Preparation 9

Part I 9

Part II 9

Measurement Procedure 10

Part I 10

Part II 11

III. Results and Discussion 11

Part I 11

Part II 21

IV. Conclusions 29

References 31

About this Honors Thesis

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• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Physics and Astronomy
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Physics, Electricity and Magnetism Chemistry, Polymer
Keyword	polymer blends fluorescence study electric fields miscibility phase separation
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roth, Connie, Emory University
Committee Members	Salaita, Khalid, Emory University Family, Fereydoon, Emory University

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