Polystyrene, deuterated tension

Thin films of blended deuterated polystyrene (dPS) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) were imaged as a fimction of the dPS PVME ratio. Near the critical composition of 35% dPS, an imdulating, spinodal-like structure was observed, whereas for compositions away from the critical mixture ratio, regular mounds or holes (< dPS < < crit and < dPS > (pent, respectively) were present. These variations were assigned to surface tension effects (120). Blends of PBD, SBR, isobutylene-brominated p-methylstyrene, PP, PE, natural rubber, and isoprene-styrene-isoprene block rubbers were imaged (Fig. 18). Stiff, styrenic phases and rubbery core-shell phases were evident as the authors utilized force-modulated afm to determine detailed microstructure of blends, including those with fillers such as carbon-black and silica (121). 

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