COMPATIBILITY OF POLY(ETHYLENE 2,6-NAPHTHALATE) AND POLY(BUTYLENE 2,6-NAPHTHALATE) BLENDS

Abstract

Blends prepared from poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN) and poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PBN) show only partial miscibility judged from their glass transition temperatures. Two distinct mechanical behaviors are observed: brittle for the blends < 20 wt% of PBN, while ductile > 20 wt% of PBN. The experimental modulus and strength values of the blends are within the predicted values according to Kleiner and Paul models, respectively. This means that PEN/PBN blends are somewhat compatible based on their tensile properties. Especially for 20 wt% of PBN blend, the high modulus and strength are observed. The viscosity of the blend is high, which may imply a somewhat entangled morphology in the amorphous state.