Properties of Segmented Block Copolymers in PEEK/PSU Blends

Abstract

As a method of compatibilization of immiscible polyether ether ketone (PEEK)/polysulfone (PSU) blends, the addition of segmented PEEK/PSU block copolymers based on amorphous bisphenol A-containing PEEK was studied. This approach was evaluated for blends consisting of PEEK and PSU homopolymers with different molecular weights and different amounts of compatibilizers (segmented PEEK/PSU block copolymers and reactive end-functionalized PEEK and PSU oligomers). The compatibilizers were added under varying melt-processing conditions and effectively allowed the homopolymers to interact with the segmented block copolymers in the blend. The influence of the compatibilizers on the phase behavior was examined in both binary and ternary blends. Interactions in the amorphous phase, which effectively induce an enhancement of the toughness properties of the final product, could be detected.