Coalescence during annealing of quiescent immiscible polymer blends

Coalescence during annealing of quiescent immiscible polymer blends, containing polypropylene (PP) matrix and different amount of ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR) as dispersed phase, was studied. Comparison of experimental results with available coalescence theories revealed that changes in the phase structure after 20 min annealing can be precisely estimated using the approximate theory of coalescence induced by van der Waals forces and considering drainage of the matrix film between spherical droplets. All results evidenced growth of the EPR droplet size with the annealing time and temperature; increase in the content of dispersed phase contributed to higher growth rate of the dispersed phase, more pronounced at the coalescence origin. Anisometry of the EPR droplets and droplet shape relaxation were perceived, both interfering the course of coalescence. Enhanced elasticity of examined blends at low frequencies and positive deviation of the complex viscosity from the linear mixing rules was observed.