| abstract |
Two-component polymeric compositions having two interconnected solid phases, and exhibiting spinodal decomposition morphology at the domain boundaries are shown, as are methods for forming the same. The compositions are prepared from two different polymers one of which possesses ductility in that it shows substantial yield behavior under tensile stressing, the other being brittle, exhibiting no such behavior; thermoplastic polymers, in conjunction with thermotropic liquid crystalline materials, exemplify such systems. The desired morphology is created by preparing the two component compositions in a single solid phase below the lower critical solution temperature of the compositions, and thereafter heating the compositions above such temperature to form a two-phase system. After a predetermined period of time at the upper temperature, during which spinodal decomposition spontaneously occurs, stabilization of the spinodal morphology is achieved by lowering the temperature of the compositions below the lower of its two glass transition temperatures. |