Miscibility, morphology, and thermal characterization of an acrylic/styrenic blend system. Poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) and poly(α-methyl styrene)

Miscibility in binary polymer mixtures involving styrenic polymers and acrylics has been rare. Thermal analysis, optical and scanning electron microscopy were performed to reveal complete miscibility in the blend system of poly(α-methyl styrene) (PαMS) and poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) (PCHMA). Within the wide range of molecular weight (MW) of PαMS (several thousands up to a high MW of 400000 g mol^-1), all PαMS/PCHMA mixtures were found to be completely miscible, with phase separation at quite high lower-critical-solution-temperatures (LCST). The FT-IR characterization did not reveal may specific intermolecular interactions between the pairs. Miscibility in blends of styrenic polymers with acrylic polymers is rare and not commonly seen. Structural effects on the phase behavior in blends of styrenic polymer and acrylic polymers are briefly discussed.