The influence of segmented block copolymers in immiscible polymer blends

One mechanism for compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends is adding block copolymers (BCP) that consist of segments chemically comparable to th e parent homopolymers in the blend. BCP do both, emulsify the disperse phas e to give smaller particles as well as increase the interfacial adhesion be tween the phases. The influence of segmented BCP in blends of immiscible hi gh-performance polymers was investigated systematically by variation of the flexibility of the BCP segments. It was shown that the stiffness of the se cond segment in polysulfone (PSU) block copolymers as well as the PSU segme nt molecular weight determine the intermixing between the BCP and the PSU m atrix.