Heterogeneous distribution of conductive particles in polymer blends studied by electron microscopy.

Abstract

The distribution state of carbon black (CB) was observed in polymer blends by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopies. CB distributed unevenly in the polymer blend. There were two types of distribution. In the first type, CB particles were predominantly distributed in one phase of the blend matrix. In the second type, the fillers concentrate at the interface of two polymers. This heterogeneous distribution of fillers in a polymer blend matrix was mainly due to the difference in affinity of CB particles to each component of the polymer blend. In high density polyethylene/polypropylene blend, CB particles were mainly located in the polyethylene phase. When oxidated CB particles were used, however, they were concentrated at the interface of the two polymer phases.