compatibilisers

Compatibilisers are substances that are added to a mixture of otherwise immiscible polymers to improve their compatibility and create a blend with desirable properties. When two or more polymers are mixed, they often separate into distinct phases, leading to poor mechanical performance. Compatibilisers act as interfacial agents, reducing the interfacial tension between the polymer phases and promoting adhesion. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as the compatibiliser having segments that are chemically similar to each of the immiscible polymers. This allows the compatibiliser molecules to bridge the interface, effectively welding the two phases together. Common types of compatibilisers include block copolymers, graft copolymers, and reactive polymers that can chemically bond with one or both of the base polymers. The effectiveness of a compatibiliser depends on its molecular structure, concentration, and the specific polymers being blended. By improving miscibility, compatibilisers enable the creation of polymer blends with enhanced toughness, strength, and other properties that are superior to those of the individual components. This technology is widely used in the plastics industry to develop materials for a variety of applications, from automotive parts to packaging.