Steric stabilization in polymer melts

Abstract

A comparison is presented between the results of experiments on the maximum particle sizes that can be stabilized sterically in poly(oxyethylene) melts and the predictions of the diffusion theory approach of Dolan and Edwards. Flat plate theory when applied directly to latex particles, as suggested by Dolan and Edwards, appears to be in conflict with experiment. The predictions of diffusion theory can, however, be brought into agreement with the experimental observations if due allowance for the particle curvature is incorporated into the theory by means of a Deryagin integration.