LAUSR

Abstract Binary blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) and polystyrene (PS)/PEBA were prepared by melt blending. The interfacial tensions were measured by the breaking thread method with a value of 8.0 mN/m for LDPE/PEBA and 1.6 mN/m for PS/PEBA. The modulated DSC results show a partial miscibility between PS and PEBA at low PEBA concentrations. The continuity development in the LDPE/PEBA blend follows a droplet-droplet coalescence mechanism. However, in the case of the low interfacial tension PS/PEBA blend, a frozen capillary instability morphology was observed for the first time and a new continuity development mechanism was proposed. The continuity and morphology of the blends, and their effect on surface resistivity was examined. Our results indicate that although the continuity is crucial to controlling surface resistivity, other factors, such as the morphology (e.g., constriction) and interfacial properties also play an important role.