Rheological characterization of nanostructured material based on Polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS) block copolymer: Effect of block copolymer composition and nanoparticle geometry

Abstract

Block copolymer (BCP) nanocomposite systems are of broad interest; however, reports on the role of nanoparticles on microphase separation behavior are rare. The goal of present study is to investigate the preparation of composite nanostructured materials containing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) or graphene nanoplates. BCP nanocomposites based on the linear triblock copolymer, Polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS), with different morphological structure were prepared by melt mixing. The results of temperature sweep experiments showed an enhancing effect of both MWCNT and graphene nanosheets on increasing the microphase separation temperature as well as accelerating its kinetic, resulting from the confinement of BCP segments, with graphene nanosheets providing a more severely confined geometry for polystyrene segments in contrast to MWCNTs. Additionally, DMTA results indicated a promotion of the BCP microphase separation by incorporation of nanoparticles. Transient flow measurements followed by time sweep test suggested the existence of a special 3D network microstructure caused by nanoparticles/domain interactions.

Carbonaceous Filler Type and Content Dependence of the Physical-Chemical and Electromechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer Polymer Composites

“…TPEs combine the mechanical properties of elastomers with the chemical stability and processability of thermoplastics, without the need of vulcanization steps [18]. Triblock copolymers such as styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) show exceptional properties, aiming at a variety of applications, such as sensors and actuators [17], biomaterials such as smart skin [19], or printable sensors [20]. The SEBS copolymer is composed of soft (ethylene-butylene) and hard (styrene) domains.…”

“…The SEBS copolymer is composed of soft (ethylene-butylene) and hard (styrene) domains. The soft blocks are anchored on both sides by the hard blocks, and the material can be processed in various chain morphologies, depending on the molecular weight of the hard and soft domains and their architecture [19]. The SEBS properties can be tailored by controlling the soft/hard ratio or the domains’ architecture (e.g., linear or star).…”

“…Moreover, apart from its biocompatibility, the hydrogenation of SEBS also imparts resistance to UV radiation and thermal degradation to the polymer [18]. Usually, carbonaceous nanofillers dispersed in TPE matrixes have similar filler distribution within both styrene and ethylene/butylene polymeric domains [19], and the nanofillers do not influence the microstructure of the TPE block copolymer [19].…”

“…Thermal treatments of TPE matrices can modify their nano- and microstructure [21], as well as their thermal and mechanical properties [21]. As an example, thermal annealing can promote the interdigitation of the SEBS chains, the development of microphase separation, as well as styrene restructuration segments [19].…”

Theoretical and Experimental investigation of PVMQ/ EPDM-g-MA/CR blends: Rheological, Compatibility and Mechanical Properties

“…12 shows storage modulus and the complex viscosity for nanocomposites with addition of compatibilizer. As show in this figure, by adding compatibilizer and increasing GO nano-platelets, the complex viscosity (η*) increased (in low shear rate) [74]. This enhancement in complex viscosity, is because of the solid behavior and networks formation with GO nano-platelets into PVMQ/CR composites.…”