Analysis of the effect of block copolymers on interfacial tension in immiscible polymer blends

0491735 - ÚMCH 2019 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Fortelný, Ivan - Jůza, Josef
Analysis of the effect of block copolymers on interfacial tension in immiscible polymer blends.
Polymer. Roč. 150, 15 August (2018), s. 380-390. ISSN 0032-3861. E-ISSN 1873-2291
R&D Projects: GA TA ČR(CZ) TE01020118
Institutional support: RVO:61389013
Keywords : compatibilization of polymer blends * localization of block copolymers * copolymer effect on interfacial tension
OECD category: Polymer science
Impact factor: 3.771, year: 2018

Simple theoretical models show that concentration of a compatibilizing A-B block copolymer at the interface between the phases of A and B homopolymers in immiscible polymer blends increases with increasing chain length of copolymers or homopolymers. Copolymers with block lengths comparable to chain length of the blend components reduce interfacial tension most efficiently. Distribution of the block copolymer between the interface and the bulk phases is studied assuming that it is controlled by the rules of equilibrium thermodynamics. Analysis is based on Leibler's mean field theory and its modification by Noolandi. The analysis shows that the distribution of the copolymer between the interface and the bulk phases changes in a broad range depending on the system parameters. Substantial part of the added copolymer can be localized at the interface in contrast to assumptions used in previous analyses.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0286401