Poly(2,6‐Dimethyl‐1,4‐Phenylene oxide)/crosslinked polystyrene semi‐interpenetrating networks: Synthesis and properties

Abstract

Abstract Semi‐interpenetrating networks (semi‐IPN's) based on linear poly(phenylene ether)s and crosslinked polystyrene can be prepared by reactive moulding of crosslinkable polymeric mixtures. These materials show thermomechanical properties which strongly depend on both the ratio of the two polymeric matrices and the degree of crosslinking in the polystyrene network. Samples based on a 50/50 weight ratio of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide)/crosslinked polystyrene show glass transition temperatures ( T g ) which are very dependent on the degree of crosslinking. It is therefore possible to obtain materials with desired T g , ranging from the T g of the corresponding linear blend to that of poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) alone.