Compatibility of polystyrene/polyolefin blends containing compatibilizing agents, 2 - Extraction behavior

Polystyrene (PS)/polyolefin (PO) blends in various mixing ratios compatibilized by a triblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly (ethene-co-butylene)-block-poly styrene (SEBS) and a diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(ethene-co-propene) (SEP) and subsequently gamma -irradiated were prepared. The blends have been subjected to extraction in different solvents (chloroform or toluene) for various periods of time to obtain porous films. The efficiency of the extraction and the morphology of the films have been assessed by infrared spectrometry (IR), optical and electronic microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG); glass transition, melting heat, thermal stability, overall kinetic parameters and weight losses have been evaluated. The extraction behavior is close related to compatibility of the components, so on the base of the obtained results optima compatibility ratios have been established.