Flow induced deformation of dual-phase continuity in polymer blends and alloys. Part I

• Published in: Polymer engineering and science Vol. 39; no. 6; pp. 1060 - 1071
• Main Authors: Lyngaae-Jørgensen, J., Rasmussen, K. Lunde, Chtcherbakova, E. A., Utracki, L. A.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.06.1999; Wiley Subscription Services; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; Rheology and viscoelasticity; Polymer blends; Molten state; Shear flow; Methyl methacrylate polymer; Composition effect; Experimental study; Methyl methacrylate copolymer; Compatibilizer; Modeling; Heterogeneous mixture; Dual phase structure; Styrene polymer; Block copolymer; Styrene copolymer
• ISSN: 0032-3888; 1548-2634
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.11494

A hypothesis for formation of bi‐continuous phase structures in immiscible polymer blends is proposed. It is based on the observation that a critical volume fraction φcr for the dual continuity of phases may be calculated considering the geometry of the dispersed phase. The knowledge of the form of discrete domains at the volume fractions φ < φcr and the probability that two close neighbor domains will form a strongly fused connection are sufficient to calculate φcr. Furthermore, it can be predicted that φcr should increase with stabilization of the interface. A comparative study showed that an addition of block copolymer may narrow the volume fraction range where bi‐continuous phase structures are formed. Both annealing in the molten state and shearing history influence the measured φcr for the formation of bi‐continuous phase structure in amorphous immiscible polymer blends.