Swelling Phenomena

Abstract A NUMBER of references have already been made to the swelling of rubbers by organic liquids and to the effects of such swelling on their mechanical properties. The nature of the swelling process in itself, and the factors which determine the degree of swelling attained in any particular circumstances, have not, however, yet been considered. The property of swelling in suitable low-molecular-weight liquids is one which is possessed by a wide range of high polymers, both natural and synthetic. In many respects this property is akin to solution, and, as in the case of solution, it is markedly dependent on the nature of the swelling liquid.