Surface segregation in polymer blends of minimal difference in the components surface free energy

Authors
Citation
On. Tretinnikov, Surface segregation in polymer blends of minimal difference in the components surface free energy, MACRO SYMP, 149, 2000, pp. 269-275
Citations number
13
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Organic Chemistry/Polymer Science
Journal title
MACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA
ISSN journal
1022-1360 → ACNP
Volume
149
Year of publication
2000
Pages
269 - 275
Database
ISI
SICI code
1022-1360(200001)149:<269:SSIPBO>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
One of the most remarkable features of polymeric materials is the phenomeno n of surface segregation in polymer blends whose components surface energie s are similar in magnitude. Herein, we contribute to this field by consider ing (i) surface phase behavior in stereochemically asymmetric polymer blend s and (ii) determination of the sign and magnitude of surface energy (gamma ) difference for a pair of polymers differing only slightly in their gamma values. Specifically, we present experimental results obtained on the blend s of isotactic and syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) (i-PMMA/s-PMMA bl ends), revealing that the syndiotactic macromolecules segregate to both the polymer-air and polymer-solid (glass) interface, expelling their isotactic counterparts. Also, the contact angle results and their analysis by the us e of Lifshitz-van der Waals/acid-base approach are presented for PMMA and p olystyrene (PS), which reveal that the surface free energy of PS is 1.5 +/- 1.1 mJ/m(2) higher than that of PMMA.