On the formation of poly(ethyleneoxide)-poly(vinylalcohol) blends

Abstract

Poly(ethyleneoxide)-poly(vinylalcohol) blends were prepared and characterized using thermal, spectroscopic and structural methods. By all indications the blends appear to be microscopically inhomogeneous with no strong inter-polymer bonding. The high degree of crystallinity in PEO regions induces a significant degree of ordering in neighbouring PVA regions, as evident from thermal properties. PVA obtained from solvent evaporation exhibits an irreversible endothermic transition which could be order-disorder type. Both IR and NMR spectroscopies also suggest the presence of subtle structural ordering influence of PEO on PVA. It is found to be possible to prepare self supporting films of the blends which consists of fine dispersion of PEO and PVA in each other.