Thermodynamic analysis of the phase separation during the polymerization of a thermoset system into a thermoplastic matrix. II. Prediction of the phase composition and the volume fraction of the dispersed phase

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 42; no. 8; pp. 1361 - 1368
• Main Authors: Riccardi, Carmen Cristina, Borrajo, Julio, Meynie, Laure, Fenouillot, Françoise, Pascault, Jean-Pierre
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.04.2004; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical properties; Chemical Sciences; epoxy-modified polystyrene; Exact sciences and technology; phase separation; polydisperse polymers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Properties and testing; simulations; Technology of polymers; thermal properties; Diamine; Thermodynamic model; Curing(plastics); Phase separation; Epoxy resin; Theoretical study; Styrene polymer; Modeling; Modified material
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.20003

A thermodynamic simulation of the phase‐separation process of an off‐critical blend, based on a thermoplastic matrix with a reactive epoxy system undergoing polycondensation at a constant temperature, was performed. The model considered the composition dependence of the interaction parameter, χ(T,Φ2) (where T is the temperature and Φ2 is the volume fraction of polystyrene), along with the polydispersity of both polymers. For every level of conversion, the simulation provided the amount, composition, stoichiometric ratio, and conversion of each phase present. The accuracy of the model was proved by the good agreement between the experimental and predicted glass‐transition temperatures and heat capacity changes at the glass‐transition temperatures for both phases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1361–1368, 2004