Interfacial Surface Properties of Compression Moulded Hydrolysed Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) Using Different Release Materials

Understanding the effect surface production has on polymer properties is important in the design of advanced materials. The aim of this study was to determine how the moulding process affected the rate of hydrolysis and the topography, chemistry and physicochemistry of PVAc moulded, hydrolysed surfaces. Three different mould surface materials were used to produce compression moulded PVAc sheets which were treated with aqueous NaOH at a range of concentrations. The Textile moulded sheet demonstrated the best hydrolysis results. The topography of the moulded sheets was transferred to the surfaces and the Kapton release sheet was visually smooth at lower magnification and demonstrated some pitting at higher magnification. The Teflon surface had features transferred from the coated stainless steel at lower magnifications and linear features at higher magnifications and the textile surface had a wrinkled appearance and irregularly spaced peaks. The release sheet used to mould the PVAc surfaces, affected the physicochemical parameters. The Kapton moulded surface demonstrated the most polar attributes and the Teflon surface the most dispersive. It was clear that the selection of the mould material had an influence on surface properties and hydrolysis of moulded PVAc. Such information is important for engineering design in industrial processes.