Polyolefins - poly(ethylene oxide) blends: Structure and properties

Structure and properties of polyolefins-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blends were studied by combination of thermal analysis, light microscopy and fluorescence probe technique. Mixing and preparation conditions influence the calorimetric behavior, changing heat and temperature of melting and crystallinity degree of blended polymers. Values of the static mechanical parameters as well as flow characteristic parameters of the blends are lower for the higher PEO fraction in the samples. Fluorescence investigation of pyrene (changes in the vibrational fine structure) showed a nonhomogeneous distribution of the probe molecules between polyolefin and PEO environment. From these data the partition coefficient between polyolefin and PEO phase can be calculated and correlated with the crystallinity changes of the mixture composition.