Shear‐Induced Crystallization and Shear‐Induced Dissolution of Poly(ethylene oxide) in Mixtures with Tetrahydronaphthalene and Oligo(dimethyl siloxane‐b‐ethylene oxide)

Abstract

AbstractCloud point temperatures (Tcp) and crystallization temperatures (Tl/s) were measured at different constant shear rates for the ternary system tetrahydronaphthalene/poly(ethylene oxide)/oligo(dimethyl siloxane‐b‐ethylene oxide) using a rheo‐optical device and in the case of Tl/s additionally a viscometer. This system enables for the first time a joint investigation of both transitions with a given mixture. Shear favors the homogeneous liquid state and the formation of crystals. Tcp (liquid/liquid demixing, UCST) shifts to lower and Tl/s (liquid/solid, segregation of PEO) to higher temperatures by several degrees as the shear rate,$\dot \gamma$, is increased up to 500 s−1. The normalized shift in Tcp fits well into previous results for high molecular weight blends, oligomer mixtures, polymer solutions in single solvents and low molecular weight mixtures. A phase separated near critical blend was examined 1 K below its Tcp by means of a shear cell (Linkam) in the quiescent state and under shear with respect to its morphology. Upon an increase in $\dot \gamma$one observes a transition from the co‐continuous structures existing in the quiescent state via deformed and oriented particles to string like morphologies. Finally, at sufficiently high shear rates the mixture becomes homogeneous and structures can no longer be seen under the microscope. The morphologies developing after the secession of shear are pointing to pronounced influences of the flow history of the system on the final structure of two phase blends.Equilibrium phase diagram of the system THN/COP/PEO at the indicated temperatures as obtained from turbidimetric titration. The curve for 42 °C indicates the compositions under which the mixtures segregate the first solid PEO particles upon cooling. The curves for the higher temperatures denote the demixing of the homogeneous system into two liquid phases.imageEquilibrium phase diagram of the system THN/COP/PEO at the indicated temperatures as obtained from turbidimetric titration. The curve for 42 °C indicates the compositions under which the mixtures segregate the first solid PEO particles upon cooling. The curves for the higher temperatures denote the demixing of the homogeneous system into two liquid phases.