Study on phase structure and evolution of PP/PEOc blends during heat preservation process under quiescent condition

Abstract

The phase structure and evolution of polypropylene (PP)/poly(ethylene-1- octene) copolymer (PEOc) blends during heat preservation process under quiescent condition were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structure parameters, such as the average area diameter dp, characteristic length L, and average characteristic length Lm, of the dispersed phase in PP/ PEOc blends were calculated by pattern analysis of SEM images. Moreover, the potential fractal behavior of the phase structure and morphology of polymer blends during the process was discussed. The histograms of P(L(t)/Lm) obtained at various time fell on a master curve, demonstrating the self-similar growth of the phase structure of the blends during heat preservation process.