Abstract
Interfacial adhesion and toughening mechanisms in an alloy of polycarbonate/polyethylene (PC/PE) are investigated using transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to the general speculation, it is found that the PE particles strongly adhere to the PC matrix. The toughening mechanisms in the PC/PE blend are found to be debonding of the PC/PE interface, which relieves the triaxial tension in front of the crack tip, followed by shear banding of the PC matrix. Possible causes for such an unexpected strong interfacial adhesion between PC and PE are discussed. Also, the importance of the cavitational strength of the toughener phase in toughness optimization is addressed.
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