Confocal scanning laser microscope image of gradient structure formed in an acrylate copolymer/fluoro-copolymer blend

Thin films of poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid-co-vinyl acetate)/ poly(vinylidene fiuoride-co-hexafluoro acetone) [P(2EHA-AA-VAc)/P(VDF-HFA)] of 30/70 (by weight) blends without and with addition of 2 wt% fine silica gel were prepared on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) from 20 wt% THF so lution. Gradient domain morphology formed in the 30/70 blend was observed w ith a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM). Separate domains composed of P(2EHA-AA-VAc) phase were found in P(VDF-HFA) matrix at various levels o f increasing depth with increasing domain size. Thus, CSLM is quite effecti ve in morphological observation of the gradient structure formed in polymer blends, provided the blends are transparent.