Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation. 1. Conversion−Phase Diagrams

A thermodynamic model is given for phase separation induced by the increase of network elasticity during free-radical cross-linking polymerization. The importance of network elasticity in the field of polymer dispersed liquid crystals is stressed. The concept of a conversion−phase diagram is introduced as an attractive way to visualize the onset of phase separation in all situations where the phase separation is induced by polymerization. The results of the model are presented in conversion−phase diagrams.