ISSN:
0887-6266
Keywords:
block copolymer
;
thermoplastic elastomer
;
physical gel
;
order-disorder transition
;
Physics
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
Thermoplastic elastomer gels (TPEGs) composed of a poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] triblock copolymer and a low-volatility, midblock-compatible mineral oil have been investigated here to ascertain the effects of composition on TPEG morphology, and temperature on mechanical properties. Cryofracture-replication transmission electron micrographs reveal the existence of spheroidal bumps due to copolymer micelles, as well as a network of irregularly shaped, high-aspect-ratio features. Since the density of this network decreases with increasing oil concentration, these features are attributed to copolymer grain boundaries. Micellar periodicities are discerned from small-angle X-ray scattering as a function of copolymer concentration and compared with previously reported data from related systems. Dynamic rheological tests performed up to 140°C indicate that the linear viscoelastic regime for these TPEGs decreases with both increasing copolymer concentration and temperature. A concentration-dependent thermal transition, signified by an abrupt reduction in the dynamic elastic modulus (G′), has also been identified.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys. 36: 2513-2523, 1998
Additional Material:
9 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
