Blending objectives

It is somewhat difficult conceptually to explain the recoverable high elasticity of these materials in terms of flexible polymer chains cross-linked into an open network structure as commonly envisaged for conventionally vulcanised rubbers. It is probably better to consider the deformation behaviour on a macro, rather than molecular, scale. One such model would envisage a three-dimensional mesh of polypropylene with elastomeric domains embedded within. On application of a stress both the open network of the hard phase and the elastomeric domains will be capable of deformation. On release of the stress, the cross-linked rubbery domains will try to recover their original shape and hence result in recovery from deformation of the blended object. 

Unlike most crystalline polymers, PVDF exhibits thermodynamic compatibiUty with other polymers (133). Blends of PVDF and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are compatible over a wide range of blend composition (134,135). SoHd-state nmr studies showed that isotactic PMMA is more miscible with PVDF than atactic and syndiotactic PMMA (136). MiscibiUty of PVDF and poly(alkyl acrylates) depends on a specific interaction between PVDF and oxygen within the acrylate and the effect of this interaction is diminished as the hydrocarbon content of the ester is increased (137). Strong dipolar interactions are important to achieve miscibility with poly(vinyhdene fluoride) (138). PVDF blends are the object of many papers and patents specific blends of PVDF and acryflc copolymers have seen large commercial use. 

Functional Blends. The term functional blend refers to various ingredient blends formulated to achieve a certain objective such as fat reduction. An example of this blend consists of water, partially hydrogenated canola oil, hydrolyzed beef plasma, tapioca flour, sodium alginate, and salt. This blend is designed to replace animal fat and is typically used at less than 25% of the finished product. Another functional blend is composed of modified food starch, rice flour, salt, emulsifier, and flavor. A recommended formula is 90% meat (with 10% fat), 7% added water, and 3% seasoning blend... 

Polycarbonates are prepared commercially by two processes Schotten-Baumaim reaction of phosgene (qv) and an aromatic diol in an amine-cataly2ed interfacial condensation reaction or via base-cataly2ed transesterification of a bisphenol with a monomeric carbonate. Important products are also based on polycarbonate in blends with other materials, copolymers, branched resins, flame-retardant compositions, foams (qv), and other materials (see Flame retardants). Polycarbonate is produced globally by several companies. Total manufacture is over 1 million tons aimuaHy. Polycarbonate is also the object of academic research studies, owing to its widespread utiUty and unusual properties. Interest in polycarbonates has steadily increased since 1984. Over 4500 pubflcations and over 9000 patents have appeared on polycarbonate. Japan has issued 5654 polycarbonate patents since 1984 Europe, 1348 United States, 777 Germany, 623 France, 30 and other countries, 231. 

The best oxidation inhibitors are not usually the best antio2onants (qv). A disubstituted i ra-phenylenediamine such as AJ-isopropyl-AT-phenyl- -phenylenediamine is often selected for that purpose. -Phenylenediamine derivatives iaterfere with cure chemistry and scorchiness, and can stain objects ia contact with the vulcani2ate (114). On balance, /V-(1,3-dimethy1buty1)-/V-phenyl- -phenylenediamine and phenyl /to1y1- -pheny1enediamines have the best combination of properties. They are less scorchy and provide excellent o2one and heat resistance. Additional protection is gained ia blends with a small amount of EPDM mbber (126). 

It is quickly evident, however, that it is necessary to blend theory with experiment to achieve the engineering objectives of predicting fluid-particle flows. Fortunately, there are several semi-empirical techniques available to do so (see Di Felice, 1995 for a review). Firstly, however, it is useful to define some more terms that will be used frequently. 

In preliminary tests, melt mixed blends of PP and LCP were processed at six different temperatures (Tcyi 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, and 280°C) with a Brabender Plasti-Corder PLE 651 laboratory single-screw extruder. The measured melt temperatures were about 10°C higher than the cylinder temperatures (Tcyi). The objective was to study the influence of temperature on the size and shape of the dispersed LCP phase. Two different polypropylenes were used to ascertain the effect of the viscosity of the matrix on the final morphology. Different draw ratios were obtained by varying the speed of the take-up machine. 

In batch operations, mixing takes place until a desired composition or concentration of chemical products or solids/crystals is achieved. For continuous operation, the feed, intermediate, and exit streams will not necessarily be of the same composition, but the objective is for the end/exit stream to be of constant composition as a result of the blending, mixing, chemical reaction, solids suspension, gas dispension, or other operations of the process. Perfect mixing is rarely totally achieved, but represents the instantaneous conversion of the feed to the final bulk and exit composition (see Figure 5-26). 

The classic objective of alloying and blending is to find two or more polymers whose mixture will have synergistic property improvements (Fig. 6-8). Among the techniques used to combine dissimilar polymers are cross-linking to form what are called interpenetrating networks (IPNs), and grafting, to improve the compatibility of the plastics. 

Since most polymers, including elastomers, are immiscible with each other, their blends undergo phase separation with poor adhesion between the matrix and dispersed phase. The properties of such blends are often poorer than the individual components. At the same time, it is often desired to combine the process and performance characteristics of two or more polymers, to develop industrially useful products. This is accomplished by compatibilizing the blend, either by adding a third component, called compatibilizer, or by chemically or mechanically enhancing the interaction of the two-component polymers. The ultimate objective is to develop a morphology that will allow smooth stress transfer from one phase to the other and allow the product to resist failure under multiple stresses. In case of elastomer blends, compatibilization is especially useful to aid uniform distribution of fillers, curatives, and plasticizers to obtain a morphologically and mechanically sound product. Compatibilization of elastomeric blends is accomplished in two ways, mechanically and chemically. 

A surface is that part of an object which is in direct contact with its environment and hence, is most affected by it. The surface properties of solid organic polymers have a strong impact on many, if not most, of their apphcations. The properties and structure of these surfaces are, therefore, of utmost importance. The chemical stmcture and thermodynamic state of polymer surfaces are important factors that determine many of their practical characteristics. Examples of properties affected by polymer surface stmcture include adhesion, wettability, friction, coatability, permeability, dyeabil-ity, gloss, corrosion, surface electrostatic charging, cellular recognition, and biocompatibility. Interfacial characteristics of polymer systems control the domain size and the stability of polymer-polymer dispersions, adhesive strength of laminates and composites, cohesive strength of polymer blends, mechanical properties of adhesive joints, etc. 

The objectives of a formulator in performing a mixture design are to not only determine the component effects and blending relationships but also optimize the component levels to achieve a maximum or minimum response of a measured property. Unfortunately, the mixture design literature is sparse in references to mixture optimization. McLean and Anderson (9) in the classic flare example attempted to use Lagrange multipliers to maximize the equation describing the intensity of an ignited flare composition but obtained erroneous results. However, a secondary technique which was not discussed did produce the optimum. 

Low resolution spectroscopy, by comparison, has the advantage of providing discrimination against cluster non-members through the use of radial velocities, and can still reach large samples of reasonably faint objects. Common metallicity indicators from low resolution work are Fe and Fe-peak blends, CN, and the Ca II infrared triplet, which are calibrated against high-resolution abundance analyses. 

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