Simultaneous prediction of the modulus, tensile strength and gas permeability of binary polymer blends

Abstract

An original scheme is used for simultaneous prediction of the modulus, yield (or tensile) strength and permeability of binary polymer blends. The scheme employs a two-parameter equivalent box model and the data on the phase continuity of components rendered by general equations of the percolation theory. The scheme takes into account (i) respective properties of constituents, (ii) interval of phase duality (co-continuity) and (iii) interfacial adhesion. The upper and lower bounds of the yield or tensile strength are distinguished which are related, respectively, to the interfacial adhesion sufficient and insufficient for the transmission of the tensile stress up to yielding or fracture. Simultaneously predicted values of the modulus, tensile strength and permeability of a blend are related to the same phase structure through an identical set of input parameters. Calculated dependences are in a reasonable accord with two sets of experimental data from literature.