Phase Morphology and its Role on Tensile Properties in Ternary Blends of PP/PC/SEBS

Abstract

This work deals with phase morphology in ternary blends of polypropylene (PP)/ polycarbonate (PC)/ poly (styrene-b-(ethyl- ene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) based on PP continuous phase and also its consequence on tensile properties. Firstly, two types of conceptual models have been employed to foresee the type of morphology based on interfacial tension of polymer pairs. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to witness the predicted morphology; however, the relative interfacial energy model was the only theoretical relation which agreed with observed morphology in PP/PC/SEBS ternary blends. The composition of mentioned blends was varied and the tensile properties were measured. It has been found that the blend composition has significant influence on the size of microstructures followed by its consequence on tensile characteristics.