Surface tension of binary and ternary polymer solutions: Experimental data of poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyethylene glycol solutions and mixing rule evaluation over the entire concentration range

In order to assess the driving forces of Marangoni instabilities in drying polymer solution films, surface tension data over a wide concentration are necessary. While experimental data and mixing rule equations for the surface tension of liquid-liquid mixtures are readily available, data for polymer solutions are scarce. The aim of this work is to report surface tension data of methanol-toluene-poly(vinyl acetate), methanol-water-polyethylene glycol and water-poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions as well as to evaluate the applicability of available liquid-liquid mixing rule equations on polymer solutions despite an inevitable data gap at low solvent concentrations due to viscosity increase and solidification. The fit quality was assessed by calculating the averaged deviation as well as by manually checking for implausible curve shapes in the respective concentration data gaps. Several available but slightly modified equations are well equipped to describe the concentration and temperature dependent surface tension of the material systems under investigation. Recommendations are given for binary and ternary solutions.

Automated summary

The study reports surface tension data of methanol-toluene-poly(vinyl acetate), methanol-water-polyethylene glycol, and water-poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions. The aim is to evaluate the applicability and fit quality of liquid-liquid mixing rule equations on polymer solutions. Recommended equations for binary and ternary solutions are provided.