Real time monitoring of latex film dissolution by UVV technique

UV–visible (UVV) technique is used for monitoring of polymer film dissolution. These films are formed from pyrene (P)-labeled poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) latex particles, sterically stabilized by poly isobutylene (PIB, Annealing of films was performed above T_g at various temperatures for 30-min time intervals. Diffusion of solvent molecules (chloroform) into the annealed latex film was followed by desorption of PMMA chains. Desorption of P-labeled PMMA chains was monitored in real time by the absorbance change of P in the polymer–solvent mixture. A diffusion model with a moving boundary was used to quantify real time UVV data. Diffusion coefficients of desorbed PMMA chains were measured and found to be between 2 and 0.6 × 10⁻¹¹ cm² s⁻¹ in the 100 and 275°C temperature range. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 1075–1082, 2000