Investigation of the dynamics of the various relaxation processes in SEBS block copolymer possessing low styrene fraction

Abstract

We constructed entire master curve exhibiting all probable relaxation processes in styrene ethylene butylene styrene, SEBS, block copolymer from isothermal shear compliance measurements. Measurements have been performed in steps depending on the velocity of the process investigated in the temperature region −60 to 160 °C. The frequency domain used is from 0.03 to 30 Hz. We applied the principle of time–temperature superposition, while taking in consideration the mismatch between activation responses of the two phases as a function of temperature. The styrene content in the sample is 13% by weight imposing another difficulty in investigating the polystyrene component. The resultant master curve was resolved into the contributing relaxation processes. The dynamics of the ethylene butylene, EB, and polystyrene, PS, relaxation processes are treated in the frame of the meander model of polymers in comparison to those observed in particular homopolymers.

Keywords

• SEBS
• Block copolymers
• Complex shear compliance
• Confinement
• Master curves
• Glass process