Influence of solid surface on the compatibility in polymer blends produced in situ

Blends of linear polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate) were obtained in situ in the course of simultaneously proceeding reactions of polymerization and polyaddition. The effect of filler nanoparticles on the thermodynamic properties of the systems was investigated. Introduction of filler into the monomer mixture before curing increases the compatibility of final systems, as follows from diminishing thermodynamic interaction parameters. The reverse correlation has been established between the interaction parameter and the fraction of an interfacial region between two phases, its origin being the result of incomplete phase separation. Introducing filler into the reaction system determines simultaneously the increasing compatibility and increasing fraction of an interfacial region, i.e., prevents phase separation. Both effects are due to increasing of the interaction between two polymeric components at the interface with solid and changing conditions of incomplete phase separation in the course of reaction.