Co-continuous structures generated from the phase separation of polymer blends present many opportunities for practical application. Due to the large interfacial area in such structures and the incompatibility between the components, such non-equilibrium structures tend to coarsen spontaneously into larger sizes and eventually form dispersed morphologies. Here, we utilize various strategies to kinetically stabilize the co-continuous structures in polymer blend systems at nano- to micro- size scales. In the partially miscible blend of polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether), we took advantage of the spinodal decomposition (SD) process upon thermal quenching, and arrested the co-continuous micro-structures by the addition of nanoparticles. In this approach, the critical factor for structural stabilization is that the nanoparticles are preferentially segregated into one phase of a polymer mixture undergoing SD and form a percolated network (colloidal gel) beyond a critical loading of nanoparticles. Once formed, this network prevents further structural coarsening and thus arrests the co-continuous structure with a characteristic length scale of several microns. Our findings indicate that a key to arresting the co-continuous blend morphology at modest volume fractions of preferentially-wetted particles is to have attractive, rather than repulsive, interactions between particles. For the immiscible blend of polystyrene and poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS/P2VP), we presented a strategy to compatibilize the blend by using random copolymers of styrene and 2-vinylpyridine, controlling the degree of immiscibility between PS and P2VP. Based on such compatibilization, co-continuous structured membranes, having characteristic size down to tens of nanometers, were fabricated in a facile way, via the solvent-induced macrophase separation of polymer blend thin films. The feature size was controlled by controlling the film thickness and varying the molecular weight of the PS homopolymer and the random copolymers. As the processing method (solution casting) is simple and the structures are insensitive to the solvent or substrate choices, this approach shows great potential in the large scale fabrication of co-continuous nanoscopic templates on flexible substrates via roll-to-roll processes. Moreover, we proposed a quasi-binary blend system based on the PS/P2VP pair with the addition of a common solvent. An experimentally accessible phase mixing temperature was achieved, and the co-continuous morphologies were generated via thermally induced spinodal decomposition. The addition of solid particles significantly slowed down the coarsening kinetics and, in some cases, arrested the co-continuous structures at ~6 & mum for a short period of time. This study suggests an alternative means to achieve co-continuous structures in polymer solutions and also provides better understanding of the thermodynamics and kinetics of polymer blend phase separation. Our research demonstrates several means of kinetically trapping the non-equilibrium interconnected structures at sub-micron to tens-of-nanometer size scales that are germane to several functions including active layers of photovoltaic cells and polymer-based membranes.

Nanostructured Immiscible Polymer Blends: Migration and Interface covers a wide range of nanoparticle types, emphasizing the mechanisms and parameters involved in the migration of nanofillers inside immiscible polymer blends. This book explores the influence of nanoparticle migration on the localization, and hence, morphology development, electrical conductivity, and met-rheological properties of blended composite materials. As the influence of solid particles, ranging in size from several hundred nanometers to a few microns in immiscible polymer blends has been extensively studied for use as compatibilizers, morphology stabilizers, and reinforcement agents, this book is a timely resource. - Outlines techniques used to prepare nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Explains the structural and morphological development, and melt-state rheological behaviors of nanoparticles-modified immiscible polymer blend composites - Discusses major industrial applications

With a focus on structure-property relationships, this book describes how polymer morphology affects properties and how scientists can modify them. The book covers structure development, theory, simulation, and processing; and discusses a broad range of techniques and methods. • Provides an up-to-date, comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of polymer morphology • Illustrates major structure types, such as semicrystalline morphology, surface-induced polymer crystallization, phase separation, self-assembly, deformation, and surface topography • Covers a variety of polymers, such as homopolymers, block copolymers, polymer thin films, polymer blends, and polymer nanocomposites • Discusses a broad range of advanced and novel techniques and methods, like x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and electron microscopy and their applications in the morphology of polymer materials

Micro- and Nanostructured Multiphase Polymer Blend Systems: Phase Morphology and Interfaces focuses on the formation of phase morphology in polymer blends and copolymers and considers various types of blends including thermosets, thermoplastics, thermoplastic vulcanizates, and structured copolymers. The book carefully debates the processing

Nanofillers for Binary Polymer Blends covers major advances in the field of polymer-blend nanocomposites. The book encompasses the fundamentals of polymer blends, various nanofillers, experimental techniques used in their fabrication, the characterization of various polymer blend nanocomposites, and theoretical evaluations of various properties. The properties and potential applications that have been achieved in various polymer blends by the addition of nanofillers are also highlighted. Applications for commercial products, including automotive parts, packaging, construction materials, biotechnology, medical devices, building materials, computer housings, car interiors, etc., are also covered in detail.This is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers looking to increase their understanding of how nanofillers are being used in polymer blends. - Outlines the various types of nanofillers, explaining how the properties of each enhances the morphology, rheology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, viscoelastic, electrical and thermal properties of polymer blends - Provides information on the theory, modeling and simulation of nano-filled polymer blends - Assesses the mechanism of selective localization of nanofillers in polymer blends, the effect of localization of nanofillers on the microstructure, and the relative performance of polymer blends

Sustainable Polylactide-Based Blends provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art in polylactide (PLA)-based blends, addressing the latest advances, innovative processing techniques and fundamental issues that persist in the field. Sections cover the fundamentals of sustainable polymeric materials, polylactide and polymer blends, current and upcoming processing technologies, structure and morphology characterization techniques for PLA and PLA-based blends, and the processing, morphology development, and properties of polylactide-based blends. Final chapters focus on current and future applications, market potential, key challenges and future outlooks. Throughout the book, theoretical modeling of immiscible polymer blends helps to establish structure-property relationships in various PLA-based polymer blends. With in-depth coverage of fundamentals and processing techniques, the book aims to support the selection of each processing method, along with an understanding of surface chemistry to achieve improved compatibility between phases. - Explains fundamental aspects of polylactide-based blends, including characterization methods and property measurement techniques - Offers comprehensive and detailed coverage of processing, morphology and properties, all organized by blend material - Analyzes novel methods and addresses challenges associated with PLA-based blends, with a focus on applications and market potential

Filling the gap for a reference dedicated to the characterization of polymer blends and their micro and nano morphologies, this book provides comprehensive, systematic coverage in a one-stop, two-volume resource for all those working in the field. Leading researchers from industry and academia, as well as from government and private research institutions around the world summarize recent technical advances in chapters devoted to their individual contributions. In so doing, they examine a wide range of modern characterization techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to diffraction, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical measurements and chromatography. These methods are compared with each other to assist in determining the best solution for both fundamental and applied problems, paying attention to the characterization of nanoscale miscibility and interfaces, both in blends involving copolymers and in immiscible blends. The thermodynamics, miscibility, phase separation, morphology and interfaces in polymer blends are also discussed in light of new insights involving the nanoscopic scale. Finally, the authors detail the processing-morphology-property relationships of polymer blends, as well as the influence of processing on the generation of micro and nano morphologies, and the dependence of these morphologies on the properties of blends. Hot topics such as compatibilization through nanoparticles, miscibility of new biopolymers and nanoscale investigations of interfaces in blends are also addressed. With its application-oriented approach, handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors, this is an outstanding survey for anyone involved in the field of polymer blends for advanced technologies.