Coionomeric mixtures of polyhydroxyethers and ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers. I. Effects of cation concentration and ABA oligomeric miscibilisers on morphology and properties

Abstract

AbstractMixtures of a phenoxy polymer (polyhydroxyether of bis‐phenol A) and a polyolefin ionomer (sodium ionomer of ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer) were compatibilized by the addition of small amounts of sodium ethoxide and/or by the incorporation of varying amounts of A‐B‐A block oligomers. The latter were produced by reacting several bis‐phenol A epoxy resins, varying in molecular weight, with montanic acid in order to provide segments soluble in each of the two polymer components of the blend. Chemical miscibilization by the addition of sodium ethoxide changed the morphology into one containing larger amounts of cocontinuous phases, while the incorporation of substantial amounts of A‐B‐A oligomer brought about primarily the formation of irregular and highly elongated particles. The mixtures were found to exhibit the typical properties of ionomers which were enhanced by the addition of sodium ethoxide. Furthermore sufficient evidence was gathered to establish that the ionomeric aggregates are shared by both polymer components of the blend, from which the term coionomeric mixture is derived. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.