Macroscopic properties of polymer blends largely depend on their microscopic structures. It is demonstrated in the present work that atomic force microscopy can be successfully applied to reveal the morphology of blends more efficiently than by conventional microscopic techniques such as transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Besides the topography, the mechanical properties of different phases are studied by imaging lateral force and force modulation techniques providing material contrast.

Poly (etherketones) containing ester groups were synthesized and transesterified with an aromatic polycarbonate to give block copolymers. Block copolymer formation was proven using SEC, film studies, DSC, DMA, and TEM. The poly(etherketone) / polycarbonate block copolymers formed clear films whereas the analogous blends were cloudy and macrophase separated. The block copolymers exhibited only a single Tg as measured by DSC but further DMA and TEM studies showed the block copolymers to be microphase separated. The domains were almost-equal-to 10 nm. The block copolymers showed synergistic physical properties superior to the analogous blends.

Die Makromolekulare Chemie, Rapid CommunicationsVolume 10, Issue 12 p. 617-621 Article The synthesis of linear siloxane monomers and oligomers containing 4-carboxyphenyl end groups Robert J. Kumpf, Robert J. Kumpf Polymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USASearch for more papers by this authorBernard Gordon III, Corresponding Author Bernard Gordon III Polymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USAPolymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USASearch for more papers by this author Robert J. Kumpf, Robert J. Kumpf Polymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USASearch for more papers by this authorBernard Gordon III, Corresponding Author Bernard Gordon III Polymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USAPolymer Science Program, Materials Science and Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: December 1989 https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.1989.030101201Citations: 3AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume10, Issue12December 1989Pages 617-621 RelatedInformation

Abstractm‐phenyl benzoate end‐capped pre‐polybenzoxazole oligomer and a 3,4‐diaminobenzene endcapped pre‐polybenzimidazole were synthesized. These functionalized oligomers were then condensed to give a polybenzoxazole‐polybenzimidazole segmented block copolymer. The functionalized oligomers were characterized by proton NMR, diffuse reflectance FTIR, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The final block copolymer was characterized by diffuse reflectance FTIR and thermal gravimetric analysis.

Three different kinds of siloxane-containing polybenzamide copolymers have been prepared: a series of siloxane-containing segmented copolymers; a siloxane-poly(benzamide) random copolymer; and a poly(benzamide) - poly(dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer. The structures of these copolymers were confirmed using diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy. Dilute solution viscometery showed them to be high polymers. The thermal stabilities of these copolymers were studied using thermal gravimetric analysis. Incorporation of siloxane units via a phenyl link was found to not affect the inherent thermal stability of the poly(benzamide) chain. The solution phase behavior of these copolymers in DMAC/LiCl was studied using an optical microscope fitted with cross-polars. The segmented copolymers and the block copolymer exhibited lyotropic behavior, which was influenced by the amount of siloxane and the overall molecular architecture. Solutions of the random copolymer were isotropic at all concentrations studied.