Morphological effects on glass transitions in immiscible polymer blends

Vivek M. Thirtha, Richard L. Lehman, Thomas J. Nosker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes the effects of structures on the glass transition of glassy polymers blended with a semi-crystalline polymer. Immiscible blends of PS/PP and PS/HDPE were prepared from commercially available polymers using melt processing and extrusion without additives. The weight fractions of the components were varied from 0 to 1. SEM analysis of the blends showed a range of morphologies over the composition range from small inclusions at low volume concentrations through intertwined co-continuous structures at specific intermediate compositions, and a reversal of this configuration at high volume fractions. The glass transition of the glassy polymer was measured with differential scanning calorimetry using the sensitive and high resolution modulated DSC method. A systematic change in glass transition of glassy polymers is observed as a function of composition in various immiscible polymer blends. Results show that the glass transition of polystyrene increases with a reduction in volume fraction, by approximately 5.4°C in polypropylene and 6.5°C in polyethylene. Probable models which might explain this effect are mentioned.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMulticomponent Polymer Systems
Subtitle of host publicationPhase Behavior, Dynamics and Applications
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages144-149
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)155899808X, 9781558998087
DOIs
StatePublished - 2004
Event2004 MRS Fall Meeting - Boston. MA, United States
Duration: Nov 29 2004Dec 3 2004

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume856
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Other

Other2004 MRS Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston. MA
Period11/29/0412/3/04

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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