A continuum mechanical model for the description of solvent induced swelling in polymeric glasses: Thermomechanics coupled with diffusion

The problem of interest is the numerical modelling of Case II diffusion in polymeric glasses. Case II diffusion is characterised by a strong coupling between diffusion and deformation and is highly temperature dependent. In this work, a general continuum mechanical framework describing a three-way coupling of thermomechanics and diffusion is adapted to the description of Case II diffusion. Numerical studies are carried out to examine the capability of the model and the nature of the coupling. It is shown that the model is well suited for the description of solvent induced swelling as it predicts all characteristic properties of Case II diffusion. •A continuum mechanical framework for modelling of Case II diffusion is proposed.•The model accounts for the strongly coupled nature of the process.•Solvent-induced swelling and temperature dependence are included in the model.•The characteristic diffusion front and its kinetics are captured by the model.