(40b) Solute Transport in Polymer Layers

We study the transport of solutes in polymeric films using the device of computer simulations. While the transport properties in the rubbery state of the polymer pertain mainly to nanocomposites, the corresponding phenomena in the glassy state allow us to systematically understand the transport of gas molecules. This last aspect is particularly relevant to the use of glassy polymers as gas separation membranes. The effect of such solutes on the glass transition temperature of the polymer will also be examined.