ABSTRACT

The simplest experimental method to determine the Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) for a polymer is to evaluate whether or not it dissolves in selected solvents. Those solvents dissolving the polymer will have HSP closer to those of the polymer than those solvents that do not. A computer program or graphical method can then be used to find the HSP for the polymer. Other types of evaluations can also lead to polymer HSP. These include swelling, melting point reduction, surface attack, chemical resistance, barrier properties, viscosity measurements, and any other measurement reflecting differences in polymer affinities among the solvents.