of mixing is obtained by counting the number of all the possible configurations of
the polymer-solvent system on the lattice, while the enthalpy of mixing is obtained
by accounting for all the nearest neighbors’ interactions, with χ being the interac-
tion parameter. The entropy of mixing is always positive and thus always favors
mixing, however it is small for large polymer molecules. For certain values of χ corre-
sponding to unfavorable interactions between the polymer and solvent molecules, the
enthalpy of mixing becomes sufficiently positive, and the system exhibits liquid-liquid
(L-L) immiscibility characterized by a upper critical solution temperature (UCST).
Another interesting liquid-liquid immiscibility is commonly observed in polymer sys-
tems, where the single liquid phase becomes unstable on increasing the temperature
in the direction of the critical point of the solvent. The lowest temperature at which
the two-phase (L-L) region appears is referred to as the lower critical solution tem-
perature (LCST). LCST behavior occurs in polymer solutions due to the difference
in free volume or compressibility of the polymer and solvent molecules [11, 12, 13].
Consequently, Flory-Huggins theory, which assumes incompressibility, cannot predict
the LCST behavior in polymer solutions. Phenomenological approaches have been
introduced to describe polymer solutions with a LCST in Flory-Huggins approach
by defining an empirical temperature, composition, and even pressure dependence on
the χ parameter [14, 15, 16, 17, 18].
Other more fundamental approaches, such as the lattice cell models and lattice
hole models, aim to incorporate compressibility in the lattice model. In lattice cell
10
More intriguing information
1. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND GROUP PROCESSES2. The name is absent
3. Naïve Bayes vs. Decision Trees vs. Neural Networks in the Classification of Training Web Pages
4. The name is absent
5. Improving behaviour classification consistency: a technique from biological taxonomy
6. A methodological approach in order to support decision-makers when defining Mobility and Transportation Politics
7. SOME ISSUES CONCERNING SPECIFICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION DEMAND MODELS
8. Sex-gender-sexuality: how sex, gender, and sexuality constellations are constituted in secondary schools
9. Subduing High Inflation in Romania. How to Better Monetary and Exchange Rate Mechanisms?
10. Group cooperation, inclusion and disaffected pupils: some responses to informal learning in the music classroom