MASS-TRANSFER COUPLED WITH THE RELAXATION OF A POLYMERIC MATRIX - A CONTROLLED RELEASE PROCESS

A solution to Fick's equation is presented which accurately predicts the transfer of mass out of a polymeric rod or sheet undergoing relaxation by a solvent permeating it by Case II transport. There is a critical length. Before the solvent permeates to this length the diffusible material can diffuse away from the moving boundary faster than it is becoming available at the boundary. Afterward the reverse is true. Five sets of experimental data from three different sources have been used to test the model. The agreement is excellent.