Structure and mechanical properties of heterogeneous polymer blends

Material response under uniaxial stress has been reported for heterogeneous systems: low density poly(ethylene)–poly(styrene). The ystems differed in a component ratio and in a content of the macromolecular modifier type compatibilizer. Tensile properties have been determined for the systems in a molten state (473 K) and below T_g as a function of elongation rate. The modifier which diminishes the interfacial tension is advantageous for mechanical properties of the system—both in the melt and the solid state. The differences in mechanical characteristics have been related to a specific phase structure of polymer systems. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.