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2014 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
19. Commercial Polymer Blends
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Abstract
In this chapter, an overview of the commercially important polymer blends is presented with a particular emphasis on the rationale for their commercial development, the compatibilization principles, their key mechanical properties, and their current applications and markets. To facilitate the discussion, the commercial polymer blends have been classified as follows into 13 major groups depending on the type of the resin family they are based on.
(i)
Polyolefin blends
(ii)
Styrenic blends
(iii)
Vinyl resin blends
(iv)
Acrylic blends
(v)
Elastomeric blends
(vi)
Polyamide blends
(vii)
Polycarbonate blends
(viii)
Poly(oxymethylene) blends
(ix)
Polyphenyleneether blends
(x)
Thermoplastic polyester blends
(xi)
Specialty polymer blends
(xii)
Thermoset blend systems
(xiii)
Biodegradable polymer blends
Within each major category, the individual polymer blends of industrial significance have been described with relevant data. Since the discussion is limited only to those blends that are actually produced and used on a commercial scale, the relevant cost and performance factors that contribute to the commercial viability and success of various types of blends have been outlined.
In comparing the different blends, the specific advantages of each type, as well as any potential overlap in performance with other types of blends have also been discussed. The fundamental advantage of polymer blends, viz., their ability to combine cost-effectively the unique features individual resins, is particularly illustrated in the discussion of crystalline/amorphous polymer blends such as the polyamide and the polyester blends. Key to the success of many commercial blends, however, is the selection of intrinsically complementing systems or the development of effective compatibilization methods. The use of reactive compatibilization techniques in commercial polymer blends has also been illustrated under the appropriate sections such as the polyamide blends.
In many commercial blends, rubber toughening plays an important and integral part of the blend design. Combining high impact strength with other useful properties such as heat and solvent resistance can significantly enhance the commercial value of a blend. Hence, the nature of the impact modifiers used and the role of morphology on properties have been discussed under the appropriate cases of commercial blends. The chapter concludes with an outline of the potential trends in the commercial polymer development.