Thermodynamic and scattering measurements on swollen polymer networks

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements have been carried out on chemically crosslinked poly (vinyl acetate) gels. The scattering spectra are analysed in the framework of a model, which consists of a liquid-like component given by an Ornstein-Zernike scattering function, plus a static component, given by a stretched exponential form factor. The thermodynamic interaction parameters deduced from the liquid-like component of the gel signal are compared with the results of independent osmotic swelling pressure and mechanical measurements.