Multicomponent polyolefin blends with ordered and disordered microstructures

A rich variety of microstructures have been obtained in multicomponent polyolefin blends comprising two incompatible homopolymers and a block copolymer. The stability of the microstructures is due to the surfactant-like character of the block copolymer. Due to the simplicity of their chemical structure (empirical formula CH2 for all components), interactions between polyolefins are dispersive in nature. This simplicity enables the development of predictive theories for thermodynamics and microstructure formation. The agreement between recent experimental results and theory is encouraging. In many respects, these systems are polymeric analogs of oil/water/detergent systems. It is hoped that multicomponent polyolefin blends will serve as model materials for understanding the general principles of surfactancy and microstructure formation.