Nanomechanical and Chemical Mapping of the Structure and Interfacial Properties in Immiscible Ternary Polymer Systems

It is a challenge to identify each phase in multi-component polymer system and uniquely determine the interfacial properties between different phases. Using atomic force microscopy nanomechanical mapping (AFM-NM) AFM-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), we phase, visualize structural developments, blend of three polymers: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyamide (PA6) poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) (SEBS). Each can be identified from Young’s modulus, along with development within phases before after compatibilization. The widths HDPE/PA6, HDPE/SEBS SEBS/PA6 were determined independently one measurement modulus map. structural, mechanical property identity by AFM-NM, while AFM-IR, providing complementary chemical information, reactions, showed affinity compatibilizer component phases, mapped distribution ternary blends. chemical, information obtained these measurements provide that essential for producing mechanically robust materials incompatible mixtures polymers.