Molecular design of multicomponent polymer systems. X. Emulsifying effect of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/noryl blends

The emulsifying activity of block copolymers is investigated in blends of incompatible engineering polymers such as polyvinyldene fluoride (PVF₂) and Noryl (high impact polystyrene-poly-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide mixture). When the blends are modified by a poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) copolymer, (PS-PMMA) each block of which being selectively miscible with Noryl and PVF₂ respectively, Phase dispersion, interfacial adhesion and ultimate mechanical properties are significantly improved; major effect is observed upon addition of 12 percent copolymer, resulting in intermingled and firmly adherent phases and a rough additivity of both tensile strength and elongation at break. All these features clearly demonstrate the important emulsifying effect of PS-PMMA in these very attractive PVF₂/Noryl blends.