Rheology, Morphology, Mechanical Properties and Free Volume of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/Polycarbonate Blends

The phase morphology, rheology, mechanical properties, and free volume of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polycarbonate (PTT/PC) blends have been investigated as a function of composition. The morphology indicated a two-phase structure, and the blends showed co continuous phase morphology between 30−60 wt % of poly carbonate. Due to the high viscosity of PC, PTT is more finely dispersed in the PC matrix than PC in the PTT matrix. The rheological measurements of the blends revealed that the complex viscosity increased with increase in PC content. Relatively low interfacial tension values of the blends determined using Palierne and Choi−Schowalter methods indicated that there is considerable interaction between the blend components (PTT and PC) due to the transesterification reactions. A random copolyester formed as a result of the transesterification acted as a compatibilizer in the initial stages of reactions which is the main factor for the change in miscibility. The phase morphology and the interfacial adhesion influence the mechanical properties such that addition of the PC phase decreases the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the system. The free volume data from PALS results showed a slight positive deviation from the known linear additivity rule with increase in PC content, suggesting the blends are partially miscible. Our results show a good correlation among the phase morphology, rheology, mechanical, and free volume parameters.