Free Volume, Molecular Mobility and Polymer Structure: Towards the Rational Design of Multi-Functional Materials

M. Roussenovaa, D.J. Hughesa, J. Enrioneb, P. Diaz-Calderonb, E. Sivaniahc, Q. Songc, J. Ubbinka, d, P. Beavise, A. Swaine and M.A. Alama aH.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK bDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Av. Ecuador 3343, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile cUniversity of Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory, Biological and Soft Systems Section, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK dFood Concept & Physical Design "The Mill", Mühleweg 10, CH-4112 Flüh, Switzerland eAWE, Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 4PR, UK

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In this short paper we illustrate the versatility of positron annihilation lifetime spectrometry when used for material characterisation by presenting a selection of recent lifetime studies carried out on novel polymeric materials with a wide range of potential industrial applications. We highlight the importance of local free volume in governing the macroscopic properties (e.g. permeation properties, mechanical strength) of these materials and how lifetime measurements can be used in conjunction with a number of complementary techniques in order to establish composition-structure-property relationships for these systems.

DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.125.801 PACS numbers: 78.70.Bj, 82.35.Pq, 66.30.je, 82.35.Np, 81.05.Qk