Effect of morphology on the mechanical and rheo-optical properties of a styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer

The mechanical and rheo-optical properties of a styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer of a given chemical composition are dependent upon the morphology of the polymer as affected by the solvent system from which a polymer film is cast. Films cast from methyl ethyl ketone and from toluene are compared. Properties found to differ are the stress–strain curve, the birefringence–strain curve, stress relaxation birefringence relaxation, and the dynamic mechanical spectra.