Theories and theoretical models for percolation and permeability in multiphase systems: comparative analysis

Polybutylene succinate adipate/starch blends: a morphological study for the design of controlled release films

Films made of plasticized starch (PLS)/poly(butylene succinate co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) blends were prepared by thermomechanical processing varying the PBSA proportions in blends to obtain biphasic materials with distinct morphologies. These morphologies were characterized by selective extraction of each phase, microscopic observations, and selective water/oxygen permeation properties. These experiments allowed identifying the blend compositions corresponding to the beginning of partial continuity (cluster partial percolation) until total continuity of each phases. This property was related to the controlled release of model molecule (fluorescein) previously dispersed in the PLS and revealed that its release depended on the tortuosity of the PLS phase tailored by the polymer blends composition and by the limited swelling of the PLS when entrapped in the PBSA phase. Future applications will focus on food preservatives dispersed in PBSA-PLS blends to obtain active antimicrobial packaging put in direct contact with intermediate to high moisture foods.

Streaming current, permeability, and microelectrophoresis of polystyrene latices in methanol–ethanol mixtures

The influence of the solvent (methanol-ethanol mixtures) on the electrokinetic behavior of polystyrene latices with sulfate groups was studied (methanol content was increased by 0.2 at a constant KBr concentration of 1 mM). Viscosity, density, and dielectric constant (eta, rho, and epsilon) were determined at experimental conditions. Two latices (with different surface charge densities and sizes) were used. Electrophoresis measurements were used for dilute dispersions. Streaming current and hydrodynamic permeability were measured for porous plugs. Linear trends in the electrokinetic measurements were observed in the whole molar fraction range. The experimental data obtained from different techniques allow determining the zeta potential according to a well-established classical relationship. The results obtained were analyzed on the basis of the solvent mixture properties and the electrical interface behavior. In addition, permeability data provided valuable information to interpret effects at the solid-liquid interface of the porous plug.