The diffusion and solubility of n- and isobutane and of n- and neopentane has been studied in the range 30° to 70° C, in polydimethylsiloxane rubbers. The solubilities are very similar to those in natural rubbers and show comparable agreement with the statistical theory of polymer penetrant mixtures. Diffusion coefficients are at least an order of magnitude greater in silicone than in natural rubbers. The very low energy of activation, ED⁠, of about 4 kcal/mole is almost invariant among the hydrocarbons studied and is the same as for self-diffusion and viscous flow in this rubber. The low value of ED means that permeabilities of the hydrocarbons increase as the temperature falls. Because diffusion in silicones is less dependent upon molecular size and shape of penetrant than in natural rubber, the silicones are less selective though much more permeable separation barriers.

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Rubber Division, American Chemical Society, Inc.
1963
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