RANDOM COPOLYMERS AS EFFECTIVE COMPATIBILIZING AGENTS

We introduce a mean field model that allows us to determine the interf acial behavior of AB random copolymers. Through this model, we calcula te the reduction in interfacial tension gamma that occurs when the ran dom copolymers localize at the interface between immiscible homopolyme rs A and B. We also isolate the conditions under which the random copo lymers are most efficient at reducing gamma and therefore act as effic ient compatibilizers. The calculations are useful in designing low-cos t copolymer additives that significantly improve the properties of pol ymer blends.