Deformation behavior of HDPE/(PEC/PS)/SEBS blends

Immiscible blends of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and an amorphous glassy phase consisting of either pure polystyrene (PS) or a miscible blend of PS and a polyether copolymer (PEC) were compatibilized with various amounts of a styrene‐hydrogenated butadiene block copolymer (SEBS). PEC is structurally similar to poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO). Using a liquid displacement stress dilatometer, the volume change of samples during uniaxial mechanical straining was determined and related to the various modes of deformation. Blends were fabricated by both injection and compression molding. Miscible PEC and PS blends were found to undergo a craze to shear yielding transition between 40 and 60% PS, which occurred at higher PS concentrations as SEBS was added. Blends with a HDPE matrix and a dispersed glassy phase showed reduced volume dilatation on adding SEBS, indicating better interfacial adhesion between the incompatible blend components. Increases in the sample volume were substantially less in blends with a PEC/PS glassy phase instead of pure PS, suggesting more effective compatibilization by the SEBS copolymer in blends with PEC. This trend is presumed to stem from an exothermic heat of mixing between the PS endblocks of SEBS and the PEC‐rich phases in the blend. Microscopic evidence of the improved adhesion and modes of deformation agrees with the results obtained by dilatometry. The volume dilatation of compression‐molded materials do not seem to be similarly affected by the composition of the glassy phase which may reflect morphological differences between injection‐and compression‐molded blends.