Frustrated Coalescence in a Chemically Reactive Polymer Blend Film

A. Karim, J. F. Douglas, S. K. Satija, C. C. Han, R. J. Goyette

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

The phase separation of a thin polymer blend layer undergoing a simultaneous transesterification reaction is examined by a variety of experimental techniques [neutron and X-ray reflectivity, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM)] to determine morphological features unique to reactive phase separation. Neutron reflectivity measurements suggest that a copolymer layer reactively forms at the interface between the phase-separating blend components. Evidence for a copolymer layer is also provided by AFM and optical images which indicate a strong inhibition ("frustration") of droplet coalescence and a tendency of the droplets to cluster in late-stage phase separation. The influence of the transesterification reaction on phase separation is found to depend strongly on temperature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1119-1127
Number of pages9
JournalMacromolecules
Volume32
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 23 1999
Externally publishedYes

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