Phase behavior of hyperbranched polymer solutions with specific interactions

We propose a molecular thermodynamic framework to describe liquid-liquid eq uilibria of hyperbranched polymer solutions. The model is based on the latt ice cluster theory and the hydrogen-bonding model. We examine phase behavio rs of hyperbranched polymer solutions in the effect of a branched structure and hydrogen bonding formations among endgroups of hyperbranched polymer a nd solvent molecules. The solvent-solvent hydrogen bonding dominates phase behaviors of hyperbranched polymer/water systems. The endgroups of hyperbra nched polymers also play a great role in determining phase separation of hi ghly branched polymer structure. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.