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Radiation assisted compatibilisation of blends of vinylidenefluoride polymers with fluorosilicone elastomers by means of crosslinking coagents
Author(s) -
Mascia L.,
Pak S. H.,
Caporiccio G.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.1994.210350108
Subject(s) - fluoropolymer , materials science , elastomer , polymer , crystallinity , composite material , glass transition , solvent , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry
An experimental study was carried out to demonstrate the possibility of compatibilising blends of polyvinylidenefluride with minor amounts of fluorosilicone elastomer, thereby achieving better low temperature ductility without excessively reducing the melting point and degree of crystallinity of the fluoropolymer. The principle that has been explored is the use of multifunctional crosslinking agents acting as a common solvent for the two polymers during mixing, and providing interpenetrating networks through the two polymer phases by means of peroxide‐induced crosslinking reactions. It has been found that mixtures of triallyl isocyanurate with diallyl phthalate are particularly effective in compatibilising the combination of polymers in question, giving the best overall balance of properties. Compatibilisation was enhanced by grafting part of the coagent on to the chains of the fluoropolymer prior to being blended with the fluorosilicone gum. Further evidence for enhanced compatibilisation by such a procedure was obtained from dynamic mechanical tests, which revealed an increase in glass transition temperature for the fluorosilicone phase and a suppression of α‐relaxations in the fluoropolymer component.