EFFECTS OF POLYSTYRENE ON THE GEL FORMATION OF POLYSTYRENE-B-POLY(ETHYLENE BUTYLENE)-B-POLYSTYRENE IN N-DECANE/

The effects of homopolystyrene on the gel formation in n-decane soluti ons of olystyrene-b-poly(ethylene/butylene)-b-polystyrene and polystyr ene were investigated. It was found that the polystyrene content in th e gels influenced the sol-gel transition, mechanical properties, and s welling behavior. An increment in the percentage of polystyrene caused an increase of the sol-gel transition temperature, the elastic storag e modulus, and the equilibrium swelling ratio. These effects would be related to the solubilization of polystyrene chains into the gel junct ions that increases the thermal stability of the gel.