engleski

Interphase phenomena in nanoparticulate filled polyurethane/ poly(vinyl acetate) polymer systems

Preparation of new materials by blending of standard polymers is usual and successful method if polymers are compatible. In other cases the effective compatibilisation should be provided. Polyurethane (PU) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) are partially miscible polymers. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of untreated and surface pre-treated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on the interphase properties of PU/PVAc polymer blends with possible compatibilisation effects when the conditions of effective adhesion are achieved. With the aim to modify interface between filler and matrices, CaCO3 was pre-treated by grafting PVAc on the filler surface using 60Co  -ray irradiation polymerization of vinyl acetate. A series of PU/PVAc blends without and with the addition of CaCO3 were prepared using Brabender plasticorder at 140°C. Surface characterization of the PU and PVAc polymers as well as untreated and surface pre-treated CaCO3 filler was carried out by determination of the surface free energy. The adhesion between CaCO3 and phases in polymer blends was predicted on the basis of the calculated adhesion parameters (interfacial free energy, spreading coefficient and work of adhesion) obtained from the surface free energy of components. Thermal and mechanical properties were investigated by tensile strength measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The adhesion parameters were correlated with mechanical and thermal properties as well as phase morphology observations.

Interphase phenomena; filled blends

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