Reactions at polymer–polymer interfaces for blend compatibilization

• Published in: Progress in polymer science Vol. 30; no. 8; pp. 939 - 947
• Main Authors: Macosko, Christopher W., Jeon, Hyun K., Hoye, Thomas R.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2005; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; State of the art; Polymer blends; Dispersion degree; Morphology; Liquid liquid reaction; Kinetics; Growth from melt; Interface reaction; Heterogeneous mixture; Chemical coupling
• ISSN: 0079-6700; 1873-1619
• DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2005.06.003

Coupling functionalized polymers at the interface between them is a major route to compatibilize immiscible polymer blends. The reactively formed block or graft copolymers both stabilize morphology and enhance adhesion. Reactive coupling can also be used to increase the adhesion between coextruded films and for solvent-free synthesis of block copolymers, producing new nanostructured materials, not possible by normal synthetic routes. To produce materials with desirable final properties, it is important to predict how much copolymer will be formed under the processing conditions. This demands characterizing and understanding the interfacial reaction under processing conditions. This review focuses on our research that has investigated the major factors influencing the interfacial reaction such as the inherent reactivity of functional polymers, thermodynamic interaction between polymers, functional group location along a chain, and the effect of processing flows.