1. What is the Total Volume of Polymer Sample?

The Total Volume of Polymer Sample is defined as the sum of the volume occupied by the polymer molecules and the free volume (empty spaces) in the system. It represents the complete spatial extent of the polymer sample including both the material and void spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple additive formula:

Where:

• \( V_{tot} \) — Total Volume of Polymer Sample (m³)
• \( V_{occ} \) — Volume Occupied by Polymer Molecules (m³)
• \( V_f \) — Free Volume (empty spaces between polymer chains) (m³)

Explanation: This formula accounts for both the physical space taken up by the polymer material itself and the interstitial spaces between polymer chains that are not occupied by matter.

3. Importance of Total Volume Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of total polymer volume is crucial for determining material density, porosity, mechanical properties, and for various engineering applications where volume considerations are critical.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the volume occupied by polymer molecules and the free volume in cubic meters. Both values must be non-negative numbers representing valid volume measurements.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is free volume in polymer systems?
A: Free volume refers to the empty spaces between entangled polymer chains that are not occupied by the polymer material itself, allowing for molecular mobility and diffusion.

Q2: How is volume occupied by polymer molecules measured?
A: This is typically calculated from mass and density measurements, or through various spectroscopic and imaging techniques that can determine the spatial distribution of polymer material.

Q3: Why is total volume important in polymer science?
A: Total volume affects material properties like density, porosity, permeability, and influences processing characteristics and end-use performance of polymer products.

Q4: Can free volume be zero in a polymer system?
A: In theory, perfect crystalline polymers might approach zero free volume, but practically all real polymer systems contain some degree of free volume due to chain entanglements and imperfections.

Q5: How does temperature affect free volume?
A: Free volume generally increases with temperature as polymer chains gain thermal energy and expand, creating more space between molecular segments.