The effect of shear flow on the phase separation behaviour of polymer
blends has been investigated for the model system poly (ethylene - co-
vinyl acetate) (EVA)/solution chlorinated polyethylene (SCPE). The eff
ect of shear on the cloud point and on the kinetics of phase separatio
n for the blend have been investigated. Shear has been applied by conf
ining a polymer sample between two parallel glass plates, the bottom o
ne remaining stationary while the top one rotates at a constant angula
r speed. The effect of flow has been investigated as a function of tem
perature by light scattering and the results have been correlated with
dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) measurements carried out o
n quenched samples. The results are consistent with the existence, und
er shear, of additional miscibility gaps at temperatures lower than th
e quiescent coexistence curve.