Orientation thermodynamics at polymer — liquid interfaces

Abstract

Surfaces of hydrophilic-hydrophobic polymers, like grafted polyolefins, can reorientate when in contact with liquids of known surface energy polar component. A socalled orientational wettability is thus observed, especially interesting in the field of polymer science. As shown in the established equation, the overriding parameter seems to be the dielectric constant of the orientating liquid.

This work enabled us to establish a theoretical relationship between the properties of the two media, polymer and liquid, at their interface and brings to light the influence of a liquid on a polymer surface. This can be extended to many areas in polymer use.