Progress of compatibilization methods in polymer blends

Abstract

Compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends is by far the most general and efficient strategy to convert multiphase polymer blends with poor miscibility into high performance polymer alloys. The concept and necessity of compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends were analyzed. Various compatibilization methods were introduced to improve the miscibility of polymer blends, including the addition of block or graft copolymers, reactive polymers, low molecular weight chemical compound and functionalized nanoparticles, etc. In addition, the development of compatibilization methods was reviewed and the effect of compatibilization on the phase morphology and final properties of the blends was discussed, such as mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, etc. Finally, it was proposed that nanoparticle compatibilization will become a popular method in the field of blend compatibilization. This method not only can increase the capacity, but also increase the mechanical strength and possibly bring new properties to the blend.

Keywords

• compatibilizer
• polymer blend
• copolymer
• nanoparticles
• reactive compatibilization