Abstract

The multiscale structure of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) made of poly(butylene terephthalate)/polytetrahydrofuran (PBT/PTHF) segmented block copolymers is investigated in a systematic way with the aim to characterize the impact of the processing route on it. By means of atomic force microscopy and small-angle scattering techniques, we first evidence the presence of thick (ca. 11 nm) and well-aligned ribbons in hot-pressed samples, whereas thinner and branched filaments (ca. 5 nm) are observed when solvent casting is used. Besides, differential scanning calorimetry suggests that all the so-formed structures can “remember” their initial state after being melted, a property that we assign to the persistent phase separation of the constituents in the viscoelastic liquid. At a smaller length scale, combining transmission and reflection wide-angle X-ray scattering experiments further reveals the influence of the processing method on the molecular order within the crystallites. In particular, it makes emerge ...

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.