Temperature and molecular weight dependence of interfacial tension between immiscible polymer pairs by the square gradient theory combined with the Flory-Orwoll-Vrij equation-of-state theory

Abstract

Interfacial tension between immiscible polymer pairs was predicted by using a square gradient theory in conjunction with the Flory–Orwoll–Vrij equation-of-state expression for the free energy of mixing. The contact interaction parameter was determined by fitting the equation-of-state theory to experimental cloud points taken from the literature, and the square gradient coefficient was estimated from the relation derived from a scattering function. The modified square gradient theory could successfully predict both the magnitude and temperature dependence of interfacial tension between polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate), although no adjustable parameters were used in calculating interfacial tension. The molecular weight dependence of interfacial tension was also successfully predicted. The contribution of free volume on interfacial tension is analyzed for two systems: polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene/poly(dimethyl siloxane) blends. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 2683–2689, 1998