Abstract

The phase behavior of blends containing poly(N-1-alkyl itaconamic acids) (PNAIA) with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VPy) and poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PHPMA) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results are analyzed in terms of the side-chain structure and the specific interactions involved, mainly due to the strong interacting groups present in the different polymers. The behaviors of the blends are discussed in terms of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio and the balance of the different kinds of interactions involved. The strength of the interaction is analyzed in terms of the Gordon-Taylor and Couchman parameters. Miscibility over the whole range of composition for both families of blends is found. The variation of the glass transition T-g with composition together with the FTIR spectra and thermogravimetric profiles show that the blends behave as one-phase material.