Compatibilization effects of SEBS on the charge distribution in LDPE/PS blends

The compatibilizing effect of the triblock copolymer Poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) on the formation of space charge of immiscible low density polyethylene/polystyrene (LDPE/PS) blends were studied. The amount of charge accumulated in the blends decreased when the SEBS content increased to 20% by weight. Morphology observation showed that on the addition of SEBS, phase size of the dispersed PS particles was significantly reduced and a new layer connecting both phases was observed. Such improved molecular interactions enables charges accumulated at the interface to be transferred through the dispersed phase.