Influence of viscosity ratio on the morphology of PVC/PE blends

The influence of viscosity ratio on the morphology and mechanical propertie s of PVC/PE (50/50, mass ratio) blends was studied. The melt viscosity of P VC and PE was modified via changing the rotation speeds during the mixing p rocess. The component having a lower melt viscosity constitutes the continu ous phase in the blends. Phase inversion occurs when the melt viscosities o f the two components are thr same. The sample with a dual-continuous morpho logy has the best tensile strength and elongation at break, whereas, the sa mple in which PE forms the continuous phase has the greatest impact strengt h. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.