Filler-induced composition waves in phase-separating polymer blends

Benjamin P. Lee, Jack F. Douglas, and Sharon C. Glotzer
Phys. Rev. E 60, 5812 – Published 1 November 1999
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Abstract

The influence of immobile filler particles (spheres, fibers, platelets) on polymer-blend phase separation is investigated computationally using a generalization of the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook (CHC) model. Simulation shows that the selective affinity of one of the polymers for the filler surface leads to the development of concentration waves about the filler particles at an early stage of phase separation in near critical composition blends. These “target” patterns are overtaken in late-stage phase separation by a growing “background” spinodal pattern characteristic of blends without filler particles. The linearized CHC model is used to estimate the number of composition oscillations emanating from isolated filler particles. In far-off-critical composition blends, an “encapsulation layer” grows at the surface of the filler rather than a target pattern. The results of these simulations compare favorably with experiments on filled phase-separating ultrathin blend films in which the filler particles are immobilized on a solid substrate.

  • Received 28 April 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.60.5812

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Benjamin P. Lee*, Jack F. Douglas, and Sharon C. Glotzer

  • Polymers Division and Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899

  • *Permanent address: Department of Physics, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837.
  • Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Vol. 60, Iss. 5 — November 1999

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