Abstract
A continuous open structured network, with a high surface area, low solids fraction, and nano-scale domain morphology, was observed to grow from dissolved blend components on cold fractured surfaces of immiscible polymer blends, when reacted with dimethylformamide (DMF). In this work, we showed that the network is comprised of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), with a strong glassy character similar to or even in excess of conventional PMMA pellets used in the preparation process, in contrast to the amorphous but not glassy PMMA produced when similar materials were synthesized away from the PMMA host. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses confirmed the chemical and physical character of the network. This general network formation phenomenon, which was initially observed in PMMA/high density poly ethylene (HDPE) blends produced by conventional extrusion, PMMA/HDPE blends compression molded from powder precursors, and subsequently on bulk PMMA, produces a unique structure that has potential applications as an interfacial modification substance or as a functional material in biomaterials and catalysis.
