Phase Morphology of Nanostructured Thermosetting Multiphase Blends

J. P. PASCAULT; R. J. J. WILLIAMS

Micro- and Nanostructured Multiphase Polymer Blend Systems

CRC Presss (Taylor and Francis Group)

Lugar: Boca Raton, FL; Año: 2006; p. 359 - 390

Different ways in which nanostructures may be generated in thermosetting polymers, are discussed along this chapter. A general classification is proposed based on whether phase segregation occurs before, during or after polymerization, although combinations of these ways are also possible. The control of the size of generated domains, at the nanometer level (1 – 100 nm) vs. the micrometer level (0.1 – 10 mm), is discussed for the various types of phase separation processes. Nanostructuration may occur during polymer network formation either by topological/mechanistic factors or by thermodynamic factors. Self-assembly in nanodomains before polymerization and fixation of the morphology by crosslinking, is analyzed for the case of block copolymers dispersed in reactive solvents. A nanophase may be also generated in the initial formulation through the use of  macromonomers, functionalized hyperbranched polymers, preformed crosslinked polymer microparticles, or colloidal dispersions of inorganic particles stabilized with organic molecules bearing reactive groups. Examples of nanostructuration taking place after network formation either by cooling from the cure temperature or by a post-cure hydrolysis, are also discussed.