Polymer blends macro-phase separation

Figure 7(c) shows the phase stmcture of the blend polymer composed of EBR/PLA (15/85 wt%). Macro-phase separated EBR domains in the PLA matrix were observed. By adding 5 wt% of PE-/ -PMMA (PMMA contents 75 wt%) to EBR/PLA (10/85 wt%) as a compatibilizer, finely dispersed EBR domains are observed in Figure 7(d). As a result, this polymer indicates very high Izod impact strength value (378 J/m) vis-a-vis the blend polymer s value... 

An important factor to consider on the blending of polymeric materials is that most polymers are incompatible with polypropylene on the molecular scale. This might cause many problems, such as macro-phase separation during blending, low interface adhesion, low tensile transfer rate, and low physical properties, which may be even lower than the unmodified polymer. To sustain good fiber properties, controlling the phase structure and interface adhesion is a necessity. 

Our group was the first to report imaging with a diamond ATR accessory that provided a field of view of ca. 1 mm2 and the spatial resolution of ca. 15 pm without the use of an infrared microscope [18], The demonstration of the applicability of a diamond ATR accessory for FTIR imaging opened up a range of new opportunities in polymer research, from compaction of tablets [21-23] to studying phase separation in polymer blends subjected to supercritical fluids [24], This imaging approach was successfully utilised for the study of dissolution of tablets in aqueous solutions [25], We have also demonstrated macro... 

Matyjaszewski et al. [2] patented a novel and flexible method for the preparation of CNTs with predetermined morphology. Phase-separated copolymers/stabilized blends of polymers can be pyrolyzed to form the carbon tubular morphology. These materials are referred to as precursor materials. One of the comonomers that form the copolymers can be acrylonitrile, for example. Another material added along with the precursor material is called the sacrificial material. The sacrificial material is used to control the morphology, self-assembly, and distribution of the precursor phase. The primary source of carbon in the product is the precursor. The polymer blocks in the copolymers are immiscible at the micro scale. Free energy and entropic considerations can be used to derive the conditions for phase separation. Lower critical solution temperatures and upper critical solution temperatures (LCST and UCST) are also important considerations in the phase separation of polymers. But the polymers are covalently attached, thus preventing separation at the macro scale. Phase separation is limited to the nanoscale. The nanoscale dimensions typical of these structures range from 5-100 nm. The precursor phase pyrolyzes to form carbon nanostructures. The sacrificial phase is removed after pyrolysis. 

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