Perspectives in Polymer Blend Technology

Abstract

The subject of polymer blends has been one of the primary areas in polymer science and technology over the past several decades. Judging from publications, patents, major university programs, Ph.D. thesis topics, it continues to maintain signifi cant importance. This will continue, as there are a number of unsolved problems and opportunities. As new areas of interest develop in polymer science, polymer blend technology often becomes an important segment (e.g., electrically conducting polymer blends). This chapter will discuss future opportunities in commercial polymer blends including commodity, engineering, and high temperature polymers. The more recent developments in polymer blend technology will be briefl y reviewed and perspectives discussed. These areas include liquid crystalline polymer blends, molecular composites, electrically conductive polymer blends and biodegradable polymer systems. Future trends in the science and technology of polymers blends will be discussed including group contributions and the rapidly emerging area of computational modeling involving computer software employing Monte Carlo, “ab initio”, molecular dynamics, and molecular mechanic approaches. Additional areas briefl y discussed include thermoset-thermoplastic blends, coatings, interpenetrating polymer networks, blends in nan-omacromolecular chemistry, organic-inorganics sol-gel systems, polyelectrolyte complexes, and the role of polymer blends in recycling.