Miscibility, morphology, and thermal characterization of an acrylic/styrenic blend system. Poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) and poly(alpha-methyl styrene)

Miscibility in binary polymer mixtures involving styrenic polymers and acry lics has been rare. Thermal analysis, optical and scanning electron microsc opy were performed to reveal complete miscibility in the blend system of po ly(alpha -methyl styrene) (P alpha MS) and poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (P CHMA). Within the wide range of molecular weight (MW) of P alpha MS (severa l thousands up to a high MW of 400000 g mol(-1)), all P alpha MS/PCHMA mixt ures were found to be completely miscible, with phase separation at quite h igh lower-critical-solution-temperatures (LCST). The FT-IR characterization did not reveal any specific intermolecular interactions between the pairs. Miscibility in blends of styrenic polymers with acrylic polymers is rare a nd not commonly seen. Structural effects on the phase behavior in blends of styrenic polymer and acrylic polymers are briefly discussed.