INTERFACE PROPERTIES OF BLENDS OF INCOMPATIBLE POLYMERS

Neutron reflectometry is used to study the interface in blends of the partially compatible polymers deuterated polystyrene (PSd) and poly(st yrene-co-4-bromo-styrene) (PBr(x)S). The degree of bromination x contr ols the miscibility of the polymers. It is varied in a wide range in o rder to obtain information on the dependence of the interface width l on the compatibility of the components as expressed by the Flory Huggi ns interaction parameter chi. The kinetics of interface formation and the equilibrium values of l and chi as a function of bromination are d iscussed and compared to current theories.