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Melt blending of linear low‐density polyethylene and polystyrene in a haake internal mixer. I. Compatibilization and morphology development
Author(s) -
Yang LiYing,
Smith Theodore G.,
Bigio David
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1995.070580113
Subject(s) - compatibilization , materials science , copolymer , polystyrene , linear low density polyethylene , polymer blend , morphology (biology) , phase (matter) , scanning electron microscope , styrene , composite material , polyethylene , polymer , polymer chemistry , high density polyethylene , chemical engineering , chemistry , organic chemistry , biology , engineering , genetics
Morphology development was investigated during blending of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polystyrene (PS) (the minor phase) in a Haake internal mixer. In addition, the blending was studied using 5 wt % Kraton styrene–ethylene/propylene (SEP) diblock or styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymers as compatibilizing agents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations of blends show a bimodal particle size distribution of the minor phase during the initial stage of morphological development. Morphology observations suggest that the main function of the compatibilizer during blending lies in reducing the interfacial tension between two immiscible polymer phases. The addition of the copolymer reduces the average domain size from a micron to a submicron range. Compatibilization mechanisms of the copolymers with the immiscible blends are proposed. The superiority of SEBS triblock over SEP diblock as a stabilizer of the morphology was shown. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.