| Abstract: | Poly(butadiene–b–styrene) copolymers containing a pure, 1,4-PB block have been synthesized by a “living” coordination process. The complete hydrogenation of the PB chain leads accordingly to a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) block. The emulsifying efficiency of such a copolymer (H-7) in HDPE/PS blends is compared with that of a previously reported poly(ethylene–butene–b–styrene) copolymer (SE-7) obtained by the PB hydrogenation of an anionically prepared PB–b–PS. Microscopy examinations demonstrate unambiguously the interfacial activity of both copolymers in HDPE/PS blends. The tensile mechanical properties of the blends are significantly but also differently modified by the two emulsifiers. The copolymer H-7 gives rise to the highest strengths, but, contrary to the copolymer SE-7, provides a poor ductility to the blends. This different behavior is assumed to result in part from the different characteristics of the hydrogenated PB blocks. The elastomeric HPB chain of SE-7 should form at the interface a more or less extended soft zone whereas a rigid interface would result from the cocrystallization of the HPB chain of H-7 with the HDPE homopolymer. |
