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Interphase phenomena in nanoparticulate filled polyurethane/poly(vinyl acetate) polymer systems
Author(s) -
Vrsaljko Domagoj,
Leskovac Mirela,
Blagojević Sanja Lučić,
Kovačević Vera
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.21055
Subject(s) - materials science , vinyl acetate , polyurethane , surface energy , polymer , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , adhesion , polyvinyl acetate , interphase , ultimate tensile strength , polymer chemistry , polymerization , chemical engineering , copolymer , physics , genetics , biology , engineering , thermodynamics
Polyurethane (PU) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) are partially miscible polymers. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of untreated and surface pretreated calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) on the interphase properties of PU/PVAc polymer blends with possible compatibilization effects when the conditions of effective adhesion are achieved. With the aim to modify interface between filler and matrices, CaCO 3 was pretreated by grafting PVAc on the filler surface using 60 Co γ‐ray irradiation polymerization of vinyl acetate. A series of the PU/PVAc blends without and with the addition of CaCO 3 were prepared using a Brabender plasticorder at 140°C. Surface characterization of the PU and PVAc polymers as well as the untreated and surface pretreated CaCO 3 fillers was carried out by determination of the surface free energy. The adhesion between CaCO 3 and phases in the polymer blends was predicted on the basis of the calculated adhesion parameters (interfacial free energy, spreading coefficient and work of adhesion) obtained from the surface free energy of components. Thermal and mechanical properties were investigated by tensile strength measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The adhesion parameters were correlated with the mechanical and thermal properties as well as phase morphology observations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers