Solvation effects and thermodynamics of plasticization of cellulose nitrates

The thermodynamics of the plasticization of cellulose nitrate by diethylene glycol. and triethylene glycol nitrates was studied. The measurements of t he saturated vapor pressure of the plasticizing agents over the plasticized polymer allowed one to calculate the isotherms of the chemical potentials of the plasticizing agents, as well as the partial enthalpy and entropy of mixing. The results were evaluated from the standpoint of the theory develo ped for the solutions of semirigid macromolecules with account for solvatio n effects. The conditions of phase equilibrium were determined, and the pha se diagrams were constructed. A hypothesis concerning the LC nature of cell ulose nitrates plasticized with nitroesters was advanced.