Abstract
ABSTRACTThe effect of diblock copolymer on the phase-separation process of polymer blends has been investigated by using light scattering and optical microscopic observations. To quench the system into the two phase region, a shear-jump technique is employed instead of the conventional temperature-jump technique. The samples studied are blends of low-molecular-weight polystyrene and polybutadiene with and without added styrene-butadiene block copolymer as a compatibilizer. It was observed that the addition of diblock copolymers could accelerate the phase separation kinetics depending on the shear history. As the concentration of diblock copolymer increases, the distribution of domain sizes becomes narrower and the growth rate slows down. The extent of slowing-down depends on the molecular weight and concentration of the copolymer. The time dependence of domain growth is clearly observed with optical microscopy.
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