| Abstract: | The damped Debye lattice or damped torsional oscillator model for viscoelastic relaxation in the primary transition region takes into account elastic interchain interactions as well as the more usually invoked intrachain interactions. To test the importance of these interchain interactions, we have applied this model to compatible blends formed from atactic polystyrene (PS) and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO). Qualitative predictions of the variation of stress relaxation behavior of the blends as a function of PPO concentration have been made. Also, predictions concerning properties of these blends upon dilution suggest very distinctive behaviors. We have measured stress relaxation master curves in the primary transition region of PS-PPO blends of various concentrations and have found that the predicted behavior is indeed observed. Furthermore, the unusual effects of dilution on the properties of these blends have been observed with dioctyl phthalate used as diluent. These results show that inter- as well as the more familiar intramolecular elastic interactions are important factors in determining viscoelastic behavior of bulk polymers in this transition region. |
