All-Polymer Composites from Two Incompatible Polymers

Abstract All-polymer composites were prepared in a simple manner from a pair of incompatible polymers: polysulfone (PSF) as the matrix polymer and cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) submicron particles as the disperse phase. The obtained composites, containing approximately 50 wt.% of PDMS particles, were compared with neat PSF and with blends of the two components. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM-EDX), dynamo-mechanical analysis (DMA), dynamic contact angle measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed unitary materials, with particles well dispersed across the section and having dynamo-mechanical and surface properties comparable with the neat PSF or even improved. Keywords: DMAPDMS submicron particlesPolysulfoneCompositesSiloxane surfactants