MICROPHASE SEPARATION IN INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS AS AFFECTED BY THE KINETICS OF THEIR FORMATION

Interpenetrating polymer networks based on cross-linked polyurethane a nd linear poly(butyl methacrylate) were prepared under different kinet ic conditions and at various relative contents of the components. Poly (butyl methacrylate) was introduced into the system either as a linear polymer or was synthesized in situ from the monomer simultaneously wi th the cross-linking of polyurethane. Microphase separation was observ ed during the cross-linking. Compositions of the evolved phases were f ound to be controlled by the relative contents of the components and t he reaction rates. Segregation of the components was assessed as relat ed to the kinetics of interpenetrating networks formation.