P. S. HOPE and M. J. FOLKES Mixing two or more polymers together to produce blends or alloys is a well-established strategy for achieving a specified portfolio of physical proper ties, without the need to synthesise specialised polymer systems. The subject is vast and has been the focus of much work, both theoretical and experimental. Much ofthe earlier work in this field was necessarily empirical and many ofthe blends produced were of academic rather than commercial interest. The manner in which two (or more) polymers are compounded together is of vital importance in controlling the properties of blends. Moreover, particular ly through detailed rheological studies, it is becoming apparent that process ing can provide a wide range of blend microstructures. In an extreme, this is exemplified by the in situ formation of fibres resulting from the imposition of predetermined flow fields on blends, when in the solution or melt state. The microstructures produced in this case transform the blend into a true fibre composite; this parallels earlier work on the deformation of metal alloys. This type of processing-structure-property correlation opens up many new possi bilities for innovative applications; for example, the production of stiff fibre composites and blends having anisotropic transport properties, such as novel membranes. This book serves a dual purpose.

Distinguishing among blends, alloys and other types of combinations, clarifying terminology and presenting data on new processes and materials, this work present up-to-date and effective compounding techniques for polymers. It offers extensive analyses on the challenging questions that surround miscibility, compatibility, dynamic processing, interaction/phase behaviour, and computer simulations for predicting behaviours of polymer mixture and interaction.

Written by an international group of highly respected contributors, this fundamental reference work covers all aspects of polymer blends: science, engineering, technology and applications.

This study shows the impact resistance of polypropylene toughened by an ethylene-propylene elastomer. The objective was to modify polystyrene with linear thermoplastic elastomer of styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and polystyrene with ethylene-propylene rubber by weight by melt blending.

The term "alloy" as pertaining to polymers has become an increasingly popular description of composites of polymers, parti cularly since the publication of the first volume in this series in 1977. Polymer alloy refers to that class of macromolecular materials which, in general, consists of combinations of chemically different polymers. The polymers involved in these combinations may be hetero geneous (multiphase) or homogeneous (single phase). They may be linked together with covalent bonds between the component polymers (block copolymers, graft copolymers), linked topologically with no covalent bonds (interpenetrating polymer networks), or not linked at all except physically (polyblends). In addition, they may be linear (thermoplastic), crosslinked (thermosetting), crystalline, or amorphous, although the latter is more common. To the immense satisfaction - but not surprise - of the editors, there has been no decrease in the research and development of polymer alloys since the publication of the first volume, as evidenced by numerous publications, conferences and symposia. Continued advances in polymer technology caused by the design of new types of polymer alloys have also been noted. This technolog ical interest stems from the fact that these materials very often exhibit a synergism in properties achievable only by the formation of polymer alloys. The classic examples, of course, are the high impact plastics, which are either polyblends, block, or graft co polymers composed of a rubbery and a glassy polymer. Interpene trating polymer networks (IPN's) of such polymers also exhibit the same, or even greater, synergism.

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.

An introduction to polymer alloys and blends.