Polar/non-polar Polymer Blends: On structural evolution and the electrical properties of blends of polyethylene and ethylene - vinyl acetate

This paper examines the structure and breakdown characteristics of a series of blends of polyethylene and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). Over the range of composition studied, the short-term breakdown behaviour of the systems appears unaffected by the addition of the EVA. Studies of the microstructure of the blends indicate that it is insensitive to the addition of the relatively polar EVA; macroscopic phase separation does not occur. We propose, therefore, that the addition of appropriate copolymers could constitute an effective strategy to aid dispersion and increase compatibility between polar nanofillers and non-polar polymers, without negative consequences for breakdown performance.