Investigation of phase behavior during melt processing of novel inorganic‐organic polymer hybrid material

The phase behavior of novel, binary organic‐inorganic hybrids consisting of an ultra‐low T g tin‐based phosphate glass (Pglass) and polystyrene (PS) was investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the glass transition peaks of the PS changed slightly with Pglass volume fraction, leading to a broad peak at the phase inversion point. The phase inversion and degree of phase continuity of the hybrid were studied through solvent extraction, optical/scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic rheology. The Jordhamo and Utracki viscosity ratio models provided reliable estimates of the inversion point. Torque rheometry revealed a trend toward linear additivity within the temperature range 200°C–230°C. Small‐angle neutron scattering experiments gave further evidence of the hybrid phase incompatibility. The results of this study point to a promising new class of blend materials with the potential to present a unique combination of properties impossible to achieve with classical polymer blends. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1692–1701, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.