Analysis of transient sorption and permeation of small molecules in multiphase polymer systems

The transport of small molecules (gases) in incompatible polymer blends, semi‐crystalline polymers, and filled polymer systems is usually examined in terms of transient sorption and permeation experiments which yield effective values of diffusivity and permeability. From a modeling standpoint these complex systems can be regarded as composites with complex morphology whereas the gas can be considered as a molecular probe of the morphology and especially its connectedness. In this paper we present a brief review of transport descriptions in prototype ordered and disordered systems with special emphasis on simulation of transient measurements. The simulations presented are selected in such a way as to aid in the interpretation of experimental results obtained by sorption and permeation and in the construction and evaluation of morphologies with desired effective transport properties.