Block Polymers and Related Heterophase Elastomers

Abstract

Recently, there has been considerable interest in heterophase polymer systems which possess enhanced physical properties in the elastomeric state. These systems, with their improved properties, greatly expand the list of available engineering materials and the possibility of designing a material to perform in a given situation. It is the intention of this article to review a significant portion of the literature pertinent to the physical properties and structure of a specific heterophase system: block polymers. In this undertaking we shall first consider work dealing with the morphology of the two-phase block polymer systems and the variety of techniques used to elucidate this structure. Then the mechanical and viscoelastic properties will be examined in terms of the structural changes which occur as a result of changes in chemical composition, physical modification, and deformation history. A review of this type is important at this time to collate and summarize the large volume of literature available, particularly in view of the rapid advancement of research in the block polymer field.