Morphology and mechanical properties of blends of polycarbonate and segmented copolyetherester

The solid state features and the mechanical properties of melt mixed polycarbonate (PC)/segmented copolyetherester (CPEE) blends were investigated over the full composition range. The partially crystallized blends were composed of two amorphous phases but with only small composition differences in most blend compositions. The specific interactions, and the free volume decreases observed, gave rise to a decrease in the gamma relaxation strength. The dependence on composition of both the decreases in the gamma relaxation strength and in the free volume, as well as that of the modulus of elasticity and yield stress, were very similar to those of miscible blends. The nature of the amorphous phases of the blends at room temperature, changed from glassy to partially rubbery as the CPEE content was increased. As a consequence, to discuss the plots of the properties against composition at room temperature, the properties of the rubbery materials in the glassy state had to be determined. The synergistic modulus and yield stress behaviors appeared to be mainly determined by the gamma relaxation strength and specific volume decrease, and that of ductility additionally by the T-g change.