Interpenetrating polymer networks with controllable intermolecular hydrogen bonding

Summary The effect of introducing simultaneously crosslinking and intermolecular hydrogen bonding into blends of poly(styrene) and poly(butyl acrylate) on miscibility was studied by DSC, TEM and IR. Incorporation of strong proton-donor groups into PS apparently promotes its miscibility with PBA due to hydrogen bonding. Single phase IPN can be prepared but much higher content of the proton-donor is needed in comparison with the corresponding blend without crosslinking. The interlocking structure of the networks appears unfavourable to forming real miscible IPNs.