The Parallel between Boiling Point Elevation and Limit of Superheat for Polymer Solutions

Abstract

The derivation for boiling point elevation (BPE) for polymer solutions goes back to mathematics of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation combined with Raoult's Law or the Gibbs-Helmholtz equation combined with Raoult's Law. BPE can be used to measure polymer molecular weight and is effective when the concentration of polymer approaches zero. The limit of superheat for polymer solutions formula (LSPS) was derived by (Jennings, 2012) [1], a complicated derivation involving the surface tension in particular. (Jennings and Middleman, 1985) [2] Published data that agrees with Jennings' formula. BPE and LSPS have various uses that will be discussed as will the parallel between the two equations.