Abstract
We have investigated the influence of hard spherical hydrophilic nanoparticles (fumed silica) on the phase behavior of PS/PVME (polystyrene/polyvinyl methyl ether) blend as a compatibilizer. The size of nanoparticles is comparable to the radius of gyration of the polymers and the particles preferentially segregate into one of the polymeric components. Phase separation was assessed using rheological analysis (RMS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and optical microscopy (OM). In order to investigate the kinetics of phase separation in the presence of nanoparticles, time sweep experiments were employed via rheological analysis and OM. A certain composition of PS/PVME was highly concerned to shed light on the dynamic of phase separation, in the presence of nanoparticles, in the unstable region of phase diagram. The phase diagram shifted up nearly 10 °C in the presence of nanoparticles. Blends compatibilized by spherical nanoparticles could provide an interesting and economic alternative to the conventional methods of compatibilization by block copolymers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
