Real-Time Monitoring of Dissolution of Thin Poly(methyl methacrylate) Films Using Fluorescence Technique

Authors: Şaziye UĞUR, Önder PEKCAN

Abstract: A new technique, based on steady state fluorescence measurements is introduced for studying swelling and dissolution of thin polymer films. These films are formed by free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). Pyrene (P_Y) was introduced as a fluorescence probe during polymerization. Swelling and dissolution of disc shape poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films in chloroform-heptane mixtures were monitored in real-time by the P_Y fluorescence intensity change. The effects of solvent quality and agitation (stirring) on film dissolution were studied. Sorption and desorption coefficients of solvent and Py molecules were measured respectively, during dissolution of films, and found to be in between 10^{-7} -10^{-8} cm^2/sec.

Keywords: