Direct 3D visualization of the phase-separated morphology in chlorinated polyethyleneylon terpolyamide based thermoplastic elastomers

摘要

Blends of chlorinated polyethylene and nylon-6/-6,6/-12 terpolyamide were prepared. The ratio of the two components was systematically varied within the blends. The mechanical behavior of the samples was analyzed with tensile tests and dynamical mechanical analysis showing that, for several ratios, materials with improved mechanical properties typical of thermoplastic elastomers were obtained. In such a mechanical regime, a co-continuous phase-separated morphology was clearly evidenced at the microscopic scale by 3D laser scanning confocal fluorescent microscopy (LSCFM). At blend compositions where plastic tensile behavior is observed, LSCFM reveals dispersed spheres of one component in the other. Immiscible binary blends of chlorinated polyethylene and nylon-6/-6,6/-12 terpolyamide are found to yield thermoplastic elastomers with improved mechanical properties. A facile way to label the soft portion allows the detection of a co-continuous phase separation at the micrometer level through 3D confocal laser microscopy reconstructions. This unique morphology of the bulk is associated to the enhanced macroscopic behavior.