Polymer blends are mixtures of two or more polymers and/or copolymers, containing at least two weight percent of the macromolecular species. Most blends are immiscible and need to be compatibilised. The compatibilisation must: (1) ascertain the optimum degree of dispersion, (2) stabilize the morphology against the possible damage during the subsequent processing stage, and (3) secure good interfacial interactions between phases in the solid state.
Block copolymers, especially the di-block type, play a special role as model substances to study the mechanisms of compatibilisation. For this reason, their types, properties, and structure are discussed from the theoretical and experimental points of view. Next, blends of a copolymer with one, then two homopolymers are presented. Properties such as the interfacial tension, morphology, mechanical, and rheological properties are considered. Then, compatibilisation of polymer blends by either addition of a third component or by reactive blending, as well as the resulting properties, are reviewed. Finally, to provide illustration to the discussed principles, several commercial blends are described.
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