Diffusion through polymeric solids undergoing large deformations

Abstract

The intention of this overview is to review the literature on the diffusion of liquids through polymers that are undergoing large deformations, and to discuss the difficulties associated with modelling such a process. The inadequacy of simple equations such as Fick's equation or Darcy's equation to describe the problem with regard to characterising the stresses and strains in the polymer through which the liquid is diffusing, and the change in its material properties during swelling and the need for an alternate approach are discussed. Finally, the problem of swelling is studied within the context of the theory of mixtures and it is shown that such an approach is very well suited for the analysis of the problem.