Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.36, No.9, 1507-1512, 1998
Structure of interpenetrating polymer networks
A possible model for the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks is suggested. Phase separation is assumed to be faster than gelation. This implies that domains rich in either component grow first until late stages of spinodal decomposition. In these domains, short linear chains are crosslinked, leading to large branched macromolecules. Growth of the domains is slowed down by the presence of crosslinked polymers. It is assumed that it is stopped when the sizes of the domains and of the branched macromolecules are comparable. The resulting domains are significantly larger than the average distance between crosslinks. These results are supported by recent neutron scattering results on a poly(carbonate-urethane)/polyvinyl pyridine interpenetrating network.
Keywords:SPINODAL DECOMPOSITION;POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE);POLYURETHANE;NUCLEATION;BEHAVIOR;MIXTURES;BLENDS