Heterogeneous Blends of Polymers. Rheology and Morphology

Abstract

Abstract A single polymer pair (BR and EPDM) was used to confirm experimentally rheology-morphology relationships that have been previously gleaned from comparison of a variety of blend systems. The relative importance of the primary factors which govern blend morphology (composition and relative mixing viscosity of the components) was determined over the range of practical interest. In addition, correlation of mixing rheology with more accurate and complete shear modulus data allowed (a) molecular interpretation of rheological behavior in terms of network parameters, such as physical entanglements, and (b) estimation of the elastic and loss components of the shear modulus during mixing. An attempt was made at explaining the dependence of blend morphology on the viscoelastic properties of the components in terms of a fracture or tearing mechanism.