Macromolecules · 1988 · 262 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesChemistryMaterials SciencePolymer ChemistryPolymer MaterialsSurface ScienceAdsorption ProcessesAdsorptive SeparationsPolymer BlendsPolymer Physical ChemistryPolymer SurfacesSurface AdsorptionAdsorption At Polymer InterfacesAdsorption To SurfacesMiscible Polymer BlendsPolymer AdsorptionPolymer Adsorption ThermodynamicsPolymer-surfactant InteractionsPolymeric AdsorbentsSurface Adsorption Sites
The surface structure and properties of miscible blends of polystyrene (PS) with poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) have been studied as a function of the blend composition and constituent molecular weights. The lower surface tension of the PVME compared to that of PS results in preferential adsorption of PVME at the surface. The surface PVME enrichment is characterized by measurements of the surface tension as a function of the temperature, accomplished with an automated pendant drop apparatus, and by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Angle-dependent XPS has been used to determine the surface concentration profiles of the blend constituents.