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. Copyright © 1986 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.