Polymer solution


Polymer solutions are solutions containing dissolved polymers. These may be , or solid solutions.
The introduction into the polymer of small amounts of a solvent reduces the temperature of glass transition, the yield temperature, and the viscosity of a melt.
An understanding of the thermodynamics of a polymer solution is critical to prediction of its behavior in manufacturing processes — for example, its shrinkage or expansion in injection molding processes, or whether pigments and solvents will mix evenly with a polymer in the manufacture of paints and coatings.

Applications

Polymer solutions are used in producing fibers, films, glues, lacquers, paints, and other items made of polymer materials. Thin layers of polymer solution can be used to produce light-emitting devices. Guar polymer solution gels can be used in hydraulic fracturing.