Macromolecules, Vol.42, No.11, 3818-3822, 2009
Dynamics of PMMA-PHSA Hard Spheres under External Electric Field at Low Temperatures: a Singular Dynamic Light Scattering Experiment
The effect of the temperature on the dynamic behavior of PMMA-PHSA hard spheres under the influence of external electric field is described. By using a very uncommon light scattering setup for low temperature measurements, it was possible to study the influence of the temperature in the diffusion of particles under external electric field in a wide range (from 223 to 323 K). Previously, it was verified that the electric field induces an increment in the relaxation rate-Gamma-(measured by dynamic light scattering) related to the movement of PMMA-PHSA hard spheres suspended in different solvents (Macromol. Symp. 2006, 245-246, 457.). In that case, a qualitative E-2 dependence of Gamma was observed and it was more pronounced in solvents having higher dielectric constant. Herein, it was evidenced that the effects of the electric field are clearer when the same measurements are done in temperatures as low as possible. The reduction in the temperature of the system decreases the thermal energy linked to the Brownian motion of the particles and the electric field influence is enhanced. The enhancement in the current case is also linked to the increase in the dielectric constant of the solvent THF, used to suspend the hard spheres, as the temperature reduces.