The effect of composition and the introduction of positive charge group (-N(CH3)(2)) on the multiphase morphology of polyurethane/polyacrylates interpenetrating polymer networks

A series of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polyurethane/polyac rylates were synthesized. Their morphology was investigated by means of sma ll-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) . The influence of an active positive charge group (-N(CH3)(2)) on the phas e structure of the aforementioned IPNs was studied. The results show not on ly that the size of phase segregation zones varies with composition but als o that the specific interfacial surface areas have a maximum when the weigh t ratio of polyurethane and polyacrylates is 1: 2. Moreover, the introducti on of an active positive charge group (-N(CH3)(2)) is an important way of i ncreasing the miscibility between two component polymers. (C) 1999 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.