Miscible elastomer blends analysis

Elastomeric systems are quite commonly monitored by thermal techniques. Mohler [5] has discussed how DSC is used to characterize the quality of blends of elastomers. Changes in polymer Tg can point to miscible phases that might otherwise require a microscopic techmque to establish. The cold crystallization of a polymer in a blend can also be examined using the relaxation enthalpy of the sample. Vacuum TG can look at plasticizer content separate from polymer degradation. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is always a powerful technique with elastomers. Dimensional stability, storage modulus, loss modulus and loss factor are all important for this class of materials and are... 

Two notable reviews of elastomer blends exist. The first, by Hess et al. [3], reviews the applications, analysis, and the properties of the immiscible elastomer blends. The second, by Roland [4], has in addition a discussion of the physics of mixing immiscible polymer blends and a more recent account of the analytical methods. Other reviews by Corish [5] and McDonel et al. [6] deal with specific aspects of elastomer blends. These reviews are focused on immiscible blends of elastomers. In this review we will complement this with information on miscible blends. 

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