Gas transport in poly(n-alkyl acrylate)/poly(m-alkyl acrylate) blends

Poly(n-alkyl acrylate)s can have side chains that crystallize independently of the main chain; side-chain length can thus be used as a tunable parameter to control the gas permeability of membranes. The gas permeation response of poly(n-alkyl acrylate) and poly(m-alkyl acrylate) blends as a function of temperature is reported for varying side-chain lengths, n and m, and blend composition in the semi-crystalline and molten states. Macroscopic homogeneity is observed for a small range of n and m where |n − m| ≤ 2-4 methylene units. Thermal analysis indicates that the blend components crystallize independently of one another; however, crystallization is hindered by the presence of the other component. Permeation responses of the blends investigated in some cases exhibited two distinct permeation jumps or increases at the melting temperature of each component. Blends with continuous permeation responses but higher effective activation energies of permeation (i.e., more thermally responsive) were observed for some blends over the temperature of interest for membranes to be used for modified atmosphere packaging.