Polymer Blends and Compatibilization 2018

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer Blends are a class of multiphase polymer materials that present intermediary properties among their components. Blending of commercial polymers is the most efficient and cheap method to produce new polymeric materials that meet specific requirements. However, achieving the desired properties—mechanical strength, toughness, durability, etc—depends mainly on the final morphology achieved from the blends which, in turn, depends on the chemical nature and molecular structure of the macromolecules of the components. The different chemical nature of the components leads, in most cases, to bad morphology with voids, defects and a lack of adhesion between the phases and consequent poor properties. Moreover, the dispersed droplets can coalesce during processing, changing the morphology of the blends. The morphology must be “stabilized” in order to avoid any change during processing. An effective compatibilization technology is, then, a necessary step to obtain polymer blends with the desired properties. Compatibilization can be defined as the ability of the polymer components to coexist as distinct phases without macroscopic separation or delamination. Interfacial agents and reactive blending are common methods able to promote the stabilization of the morphology of the blends. This Special Issue intends to assess the state-of-the-art and the recent advances of this topic, evidencing the effect of compatibilization on the morphology and properties of the polymer blends.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue on Polymer Blends and Compatibilization 2018. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Francesco La Mantia
Dr. Maria Chiara Mistretta
Guest Editors

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