Polymer blends : a comprehensive review

It has been well-recognized that polymer blends offer a key option in solving emerging application requirements. The ability to combine existing polymers into new compositions with commercializable properties offers the advantage of reduced research and development expense compared to the development of new monomers and polymers to yield a similar property profile. An additional advantage is the much lower capital expense involved with scale-up and commercialization. Another specific advantage of polymer blends versus new monomer/polymer compositions is that blends often offer property profile combinations not easily obtained with new polymeric structures. In the rapidly emerging technology landscape, polymer blend technology can quickly respond to developing needs.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of this important field, in particular a unique and extensive literature research on all aspects of this technology. It can be utilized as a reference text as well as a textbook for a graduate level course on polymer blends.

Summary

Polymer blends offer a key option in solving emerging application requirements. The ability to combine existing polymers into new compositions with commercializable properties offers the advantage of reduced research and development expense compared to the development of new monomers and polymers to yield a similar property profile. An additional advantage is the much lower capital expense involved with scale-up and commercialization. Another specific advantage of polymer blends versus new monomer/polymer compositions is that blends often offer property profile combinations not easily obtained with new polymeric structures. In the rapidly emerging technology landscape, polymer blend technology can quickly respond to developing needs.

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Choice Review

The subtitle of this work is an accurate description of its comprehensive scope. Virtually all aspects of polymer blends are covered in eight chapters. The first two chapters provide an introduction and fundamentals. In the remaining chapters, Robeson discusses compatibilization methods, types of blends, characterization, properties, commercial applications, and emerging technology. The book serves as a brief introduction to the basics of the subject, as well as a comprehensive reference work. Except for Chapter 2, the presentation is largely descriptive and encyclopedic in nature, with hundreds of references listed at the end of each chapter. The work is supplemented by numerous charts, graphs, tables, and photographs. The author spent 40 years in the polymer industry and is eminently qualified as an expert on the subject. Recommended as a resource for anyone concerned with the formulation, characterization, or application of polymer blends. Summing Up: Recommended. Researchers through professionals. R. Darby emeritus, Texas A&M University

Choice Review

1 Introduction	p. 1
1.1 General Overview	p. 1
1.2 Historical Review	p. 3
1.3 Overview of the Book	p. 5
1.4 Definitions	p. 6
2 Fundamentals of Polymer Blends	p. 11
2.1 Thermodynamic Relationships	p. 11
2.1.1 Combinatorial Entropy of Mixing	p. 14
2.1.2 Enthalpy of Mixing	p. 16
2.1.3 Flory-Huggins Theory	p. 17
2.1.4 Equation of State Theories	p. 19
2.2 Phase Behavior	p. 24
2.2.1 Miscible versus Immiscible Blends	p. 24
2.2.2 Spinodal Decomposition and Nucleation and Growth	p. 27
2.3 Solubility Parameter Concepts	p. 30
2.4 Specific Interactions	p. 35
2.4.1 Hydrogen Bonding Interactions	p. 35
2.4.2 Dipole-Dipole Interactions	p. 40
2.4.3 Ion-Dipole and Ion-Ion Interactions	p. 41
2.4.4 Additional Specific Interactions	p. 42
2.5 Mean Field Theory and Intramolecular Repulsion Concepts	p. 42
2.6 Association Model	p. 48
2.7 Interfacial Aspects	p. 49
2.8 Additional Methods of Predicting Polymer Phase Behavior	p. 54
3 Compatibilization Methods	p. 65
3.1 Introduction of Specific Interacting Groups	p. 66
3.2 In-Situ Polymerization Compatibilization	p. 67
3.3 Ternary Polymer Addition (Nonreactive)	p. 70
3.4 Reactive Compatibilization	p. 73
3.4.1 Reactive Extrusion Compatibilization (Single Pass Extrusion)	p. 81
3.5 Interpenetrating Polymer Networks	p. 84
3.6 Crosslinking between Phases	p. 87
3.7 Block Copolymer Addition	p. 88
3.8 Polymer-Polymer Reactions	p. 92
3.9 Additional Methods of Compatibilization	p. 96
4 Types of Polymer Blends	p. 109
4.1 Methods of Blend Preparation/Processing	p. 109
4.2 Elastomer Blends	p. 112
4.3 Elastomer (Low T)g-High Modulus (High Tg) Impact Modified Polymer Blends	p. 118
4.4 Polymer Blends Containing Crystalline Polymers	p. 124
4.4.1 Crystalline Polymer-Amorphous Polymer Blends	p. 124
4.4.2 Crystalline-Crystalline Polymer Blends	p. 130
4.4.3 Isomorphic Polymer Blends	p. 135
4.5 Polyolefin Blends	p. 137
4.6 Engineering Polymer Blends	p. 141
4.6.1 Poly(Phenylene Oxide) Based Blends	p. 141
4.6.2 Aromatic Polycarbonate Based Blends	p. 144
4.6.3 Polyarylate Based Blends	p. 147
4.6.4 Poly(Aryl Ether Ketone) Based Blends	p. 148
4.6.5 Aromatic Polysulfone Based Blends	p. 150
4.6.6 Polyamide Based Blends	p. 150
4.6.7 Polyimide Based Polymer Blends	p. 151
4.6.8 Poly(Phenylene Sulfide) Based Blends	p. 153
4.6.9 Miscellaneous Engineering Polymer Blends	p. 153
4.7 Emulsion Blends	p. 154
4.8 Liquid Crystalline Polymer Blends and Molecular Composites	p. 159
4.8.1 Liquid Crystalline Polymer Blends	p. 159
4.8.2 Molecular Composites	p. 164
4.9 Polymer Blends Containing Block Copolymers	p. 166
4.10 Blends Based on Polystyrene and Styrene Copolymers	p. 172
4.11 Blends Based on PMMA and (Meth)Acrylate Copolymers	p. 179
4.12 Blends Based on PVC	p. 182
4.13 Blends Involving Thermosetting Polymers	p. 187
4.14 Water Soluble Polymer Blends/Polyelectrolyte Complexes	p. 191
4.15 Biodegradable and Natural Polymer Based Blends	p. 198
4.15.1 Biodegradable Polymer Blends	p. 198
4.15.2 Natural Polymer Blends	p. 200
4.16 Miscellaneous Blends	p. 202
4.16.1 Recycled Polymer Blends	p. 202
4.16.2 Conductive Polymer Blends	p. 204
4.16.3 Ternary Polymer Blends	p. 207
4.16.4 Miscellaneous Polymer Blends	p. 209
4.17 Polymer Blend Composites	p. 210
5 Characterization of Polymer Blends	p. 253
5.1 Glass Transition	p. 253
5.2 Dynamic Mechanical Characterization	p. 257
5.3 Calorimetric Methods	p. 262
5.4 Dielectric Characterization	p. 266
5.5 Morphology/Microscopy	p. 271
5.5.1 Optical Microscopy	p. 271
5.5.2 Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)	p. 273
5.5.3 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)	p. 276
5.5.4 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)	p. 278
5.5.5 Scanning Tunneling Microscopy	p. 280
5.5.6 X-Ray Microscopy	p. 280
5.6 Scattering Methods: Light, X-Ray, Neutron	p. 280
5.6.1 Light Scattering	p. 282
5.6.2 X-Ray Scattering	p. 284
5.6.3 Neutron Scattering	p. 286
5.6.4 Neutron Reflectivity	p. 289
5.6.5 Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy	p. 289
5.6.6 Other Scattering Methods	p. 289
5.7 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance	p. 290
5.8 Spectroscopic Methods	p. 296
5.8.1 Infrared Spectroscopy	p. 296
5.8.2 UV-Visible Spectroscopy	p. 301
5.8.3 Raman Spectroscopy	p. 301
5.8.4 Fluorescence Spectroscopy: Non-Radiative Energy Transfer and Excimer Fluorescence	p. 302
5.8.5 X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy	p. 305
5.9 Vapor Sorption and Solvent Probe Techniques	p. 307
5.10 Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy	p. 310
5.11 Characterization of Interfacial Properties	p. 312
5.12 Miscellaneous Characterization Techniques	p. 315
6 Properties of Polymer Blends	p. 333
6.1 Mechanical Properties	p. 333
6.2 Thermal Properties	p. 351
6.2.1 Crystallinity	p. 351
6.2.2 Thermal Stability	p. 358
6.3 Transport Properties	p. 358
6.3.1 Diffusion and Permeability of Gases	p. 358
6.3.2 Transport in Miscible Blends	p. 359
6.3.3 Transport in Phase Separated Blends	p. 360
6.3.4 Thermal Conductivity	p. 364
6.4 Electrical Properties	p. 364
6.5 Rheology and Processing of Polymer Blends	p. 367
6.5.1 Rheology of Phase Separated Blends	p. 370
7 Commercial Applications of Polymer Blends	p. 385
7.1 Commercial Elastomer Blends	p. 385
7.2 Commercial Polyolefin Blends	p. 388
7.3 Commercial Engineering Polymer Blends	p. 390
7.4 Impact Modified Blends	p. 397
7.5 PVC Commercial Blends	p. 399
7.6 Commercial Polymer Blends Comprising Styrenic Polymers	p. 400
7.7 Commercial Polymer Blends Based on Acrylate Containing Polymers	p. 401
7.8 Commercial Applications of Emulsion Blends	p. 401
7.9 Miscellaneous Commercial Blends	p. 403
7.10 Miscellaneous Patent Examples Suggesting Commercial Potential	p. 406
8 Emerging Technology Involving Polymer Blends	p. 415
8.1 Nanotechnology	p. 415
8.1.1 Polymer/Polymer/Nanoparticle Composites	p. 416
8.2 Electronics/Optoelectronics	p. 417
8.2.1 Photovoltaic Applications	p. 418
8.2.2 Light Emitting Diode Applications	p. 420
8.2.3 Electrochromic Applications	p. 421
8.2.4 Additional Electronics Applications	p. 422
8.3 Electrically Conductive Polymers and Blends	p. 423
8.4 Application of Supercritical Fluids in Polymer Blends	p. 425
8.5 Lithium Battery Applications	p. 426
8.6 Fuel Cell Materials Opportunities	p. 428
8.7 Biomaterials/Biotechnology	p. 430
8.8 Miscellaneous Applications of Polymer Blend Technology in Emerging Technologies	p. 433
Appendix	p. 439
Appendix 1 p. 439
Appendix 2 p. 444
Appendix 3 p. 445
Index	p. 451

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