Diffusion and solubility of n‐alkanes in polyolefines

Abstract The diffusion and partition coefficients (relative solubility constants) of n ‐alkanes (from carbon nos. 12–32) have been determined by a permeation method (pouch method) for the polyolefines LDPE, HDPE, and PP–copolymer, and PP–homopolymer at room temperature. The activation energies for the diffusion are interpreted in the meaning of the rate transition theory. Correlations exist between the activation energy Δ E and the heat of vapourization Δ v H s as well as between the activation energy Δ E and the Arrhenius preexponential factors D 0 . These correlations are useful for the prediction of the diffusion coefficients of n ‐alkanes with carbon numbers larger than 32.