There are two basic forms of devolatilization to a vacuum. In foam devolatilization, bubbles inside the polymer solution nucleate and grow, finally bursting and releasing their volatile content to the surroundings. This requires sufficient vapor pressure. If possible, this is a very efficient method because the volatiles only need to diffuse a short way.
Film devolatilization occurs when there is no longer sufficient vapor pressure to generate bubbles, and requires on sufficient surface area and good mixing. In this case, stripping agent such as nitrogen may be added to the polymer to induce improved mass transfer through bubbles.