Target Morphologies via a Two-Step Dissolution-Quench Process in Polymer Blends

Abstract

A novel process for obtaining controlled morphologies in polymer blends is modeled numerically. Particles of one type of polymer are allowed to dissolve in a matrix of a dissimilar polymer. Prior to complete dissolution the blend is quenched into the two-phase region, such that phase separation takes place. The combination of the incomplete dissolution and the wavelength selection process associated with phase separation results in particles that during the “intermediate” stages have a core that is significantly richer in the matrix material. © 2002 The American Physical Society.