Effect of block copolymers of various molecular architecture on the phase morphology and tensile properties of LDPE rich (LDPE/PS) blends

The emulsification efficiency of three different block copolymers consisting of hydrogenated polybutadiene (HPB) and polystyrene (PS), i.e. a pure diblock , a tapered diblock and a triblock copolymer has been compared in low density polyethylene/polystyrene (LDPE/PS) blends rich in polyethylene. The comparison relies upon the ability of these potential interfacial agents to stabilize fine phase dispersion and to promote good interfacial adhesion. Based on the phase morphology, the ultimate tensile properties and the dynamic viscosity of the modified blends, the tapered diblock copolymer is clearly the most efficient emulsifier. For instance a plateau is observed in the property-copolymer content dependence when 2 wt% tapered diblock are used compared to ca. 5 wt% in case of the pure diblock. In contrast, no plateau is observed when the triblock copolymer is used. This is assumed to result from a less quantitative localization of these two copolymers i.e. the pue diblock or the triblock at the LDPE/PS interface.