Probing the interface behaviour of injection molded thermoplastics by micro-thermal analysis and temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry

Micro-thermal analysis (μTA™) and temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) are emerging as powerful instruments for identifying the existence and quantities of phases in multi-component systems, as well as interfacial properties. In this study, these two complimentary techniques are utilised to probe the interphase behaviour of a polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate (PC/ASA) blend as they develop during injection molding. Micro-thermal analysis revealed that parts manufactured at high injection time, pack pressure and melt temperature show a densely packed bulk morphology, a significant amount of particle agglomeration as well as the formation of styrene–acrylonitrile/PC (SAN/PC) interphases. TMDSC qualitatively and quantitatively characterized the PC/ASAʹs multi-phase morphology and its interfacial properties both before and after injection molding, indicating a greater amount of PC entering the interphase than SAN.