Conformational probes in glassy polymers: free volume and relaxation transitions (FT-IR spectroscopy)

The method of conformational probes has been developed. The conformational mobility of probes introduced into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and having different sizes of rotational fragments (Vp≠) has been investigated. There is a correlation between the freezing temperature of probe conformational transitions (Tf) and Vp≠. These data have been considered within the frameworks of the free volume theory and the relaxational transitions. Conformational mobility of probes in poly(vinyl trimethylsilane) (PVTMS) and poly(trimethylsilyl propyne) (PTMSP) with a large free volume fraction has been studied.