LATEX FILM FORMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF ORGANIC-SOLVENTS

The effect of five organic solvents on polymer diffusion across partic le interfaces in poly(butyl methacrylate) latex films annealed above t heir glass-transition temperature has been studied by fluorescent nonr adiative energy transfer. Diffusion coefficients and penetration depth s of polymer chains were calculated by assuming a Fickian diffusion. T heir variations upon annealing time were found to depend on the nature of the organic solvent. A qualitative model describing the variation of penetration depth with time, accounting for solvent plasticizing ef fect and evaporation, is presented.