Diffusivity, permeability, and sorptivity of benzene and substituted benzenes through crosslinked epoxidized natural rubber

Diffusivity, permeability, and sorptivity of benzene and substituted benzenes through crosslinked epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) at 27 degrees, 40 degrees, and 60 degrees C have been determined. Four different vulcanizates of ENR were used for the experiment: viz., efficient (EV), conventional (CV), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and a mixture consisting of sulfur and peroxide (mixed). The effect of different vulcanizing system and size of solvents on transport has been studied. Thermodynamic quantities such as enthalpy and entropy change of the sorption process were calculated from equilibrium sorption data. Arrhenius parameters for the process of diffusion and permeation were also estimated. The polymer-solvent interaction parameter was also determined. The experimental results were compared with theoretical predictions.