Electret-thermal Analysis of Polymer Blends

Abstract Electret-thermal analysis (ETA) was used to study polymer blends and processes of their compatibilization. Potentialities of ETA method have been visualized by the analysis of thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectra of the polyamide-polyethylene blends with a maleic anhydride functionalized styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene block copolymer as compatibilizers. Peaks on TSC spectra of blend composites are identified with the composition and distribution of the components in the blend. Based on the physical method of analysis it has been proved that the charge state and structure of the blends strongly depend upon compatibilizer content and the degree of the melt mixing. It was confirmed previous conclusion that in a studied case compounding does not result in the formation of any new chemical compounds. ETA in combination with traditional physical methods appeared to yield trustworthy estimates of components distribution in the blend, the degree of their chemical interaction and on this base to preliminary forecast mechanical properties of blends.