Water Trasport in a Polyketone Terpolymer

Water transport in a polyketone terpolymer was analyzed performing both sorption and permeation experiments. Water vapor sorption tests were conducted at four temperatures (35, 45, 55, and 65°C) and at several activities. The analysis of sorption isotherms revealed the occurrence of water clustering. A reduction of the endothermicity of mixing as the amount of sorbed water increased was observed which is consistent with significant association of penetrant molecules in the polymer. Permeation experiments performed at 35°C at upstream pressures ranging from 4 to 25 Torr showed evidence of a reduction in water diffusivity as function of sorbed water concentration which is a typical indication of penetrant aggregation.