DIFFUSION OF METHYL AND LAURYL METHACRYLATES INTO THE MATRICES OF THEIR COPOLYMERS OF VARIABLE COMPOSITION

The regularities of inter-and self-diffusion of methyl and lauryl meth acrylates into the matrices of their binary random copolymers of diffe rent compositions were studied. Methyl methacrylate is compatible with copolymers of any composition and diffuses into them. Tn contrast, la uryl methacrylate exhibits limited compatibility with these copolymers and does not diffuse into the copolymers rich in methyl methacrylate units. The concentration dependences of the coefficients of inter-and self-diffusion of these alkyl methacrylates into the matrices of their binary copolymers are presented and discussed. At high polymer concen trations, the behavior of alkyl methacrylates as diffusants is determi ned by the content of methyl methacrylate units in the copolymer matri x (i. e., by the effects of free volume). At low copolymer concentrati ons, the rate of the alkyl methacrylate diffusion into copolymers is d etermined by the chemical affinity of the components of the system.