Compatible glassy polyblends based upon poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide): Tensile modulus studies

Abstract

Abstract The mechanical behavior of compatible glassy polyblends based upon poly(2.6‐dimethyl‐ 1,4‐phe nylene oxide) (PPO) was investigated. In particular, the influence of composition, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution upon the tensile modulus of the blend was assessed. Various possible correlations between the experimentally determined moduli and theory are considered. Included are correlations with density, packing density, composite theory, and lattice fluid theory. The modeling of the properties of mixtures via Simplex lattice design is also presented. Finally, attention is given to the development of compatibility criteria based upon tensile modulus and density measurements.