Phase transitions in polymer solutions and the prediction of Θ temperatures
Abstract
De Gennes' formulation of Edwards' treatment of the excluded volume problem together with recent results in the theory of dispersion forces is used to give a physical description of phase transitions in real polymer solutions. It is shown how dielectric data can be used to predict Θ temperatures for polymer solutions. A necessary criterion is given for the selection of theta solvents on the basis of their dielectric properties.