Compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends (PV/PVDF) by the addition of a third polymer (PMMA):: analysis of phase morphology and mechanical properties

Compatibilization of the immiscible polycarbonate (PC)/polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) pair by a third homopolymer, i.e. polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), was studied in relation to phase morphology and mechanical properties of the polyblends. Scanning electron microscopy showed a more regular and finer phase dispersion when the original PMMA content in PVDF exceeded 20 wt.%. The premixing of PVDF with ca. 40 wt.% PMMA also had a beneficial effect on mechanical properties, such as ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break, and notched impact strength. All these experimental results are consistent with the interfacial activity of PMMA in the PC/PVDF blends. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.