The study of multiphase polymer-blend morphologies by HVEM

Abstract

Multiphase polymer blends are important in the polymer industry. Most commercial blends consist of two main polymers combined with a third, compatibilizing polymer, typically a graft or block copolymer. The most common examples are those involving the impact modification of a brittle thermoplastic by the microdispersion of a rubber into the matrix. Recently, a model of ternary polymer blends has provided a wealth of morphologies for examination. Even though this model can give an excellent basis for the design of a polymer blend, experimental verification is necessary. A correlation of blend properties such as impact strength with blend morphology must also be made. The focus is to confirm the predicted morphologies in binary and ternary blends using HVEM.The polymer blends were produced by compositional quenching. In this process, the polymers were dissolved in a solvent. The solution was pumped through a heat exchanger and then flashed across a needle valve to remove the solvent.