Polyurethane/Polyolefin Blends: Morphology, Compatibilization and Mechanical Properties
The objective of this article is to review progress in the study and development of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polyolefin (PO) blends, a series of thermoplastic elastomers having the advantage of easy regulation of mechanical properties within a wide range. Important aspects including coalescence behaviour, compatibilizer species and compatilization mechanisms are discussed. The effects of interfacial interactions, surface free energy of the blend components, viscoelasticity and concentration of the dispersed phase, and mixing conditions are summarized and analyzed. Emphasis is placed on recent trends to produce stable TPU/PO blends with specific properties that are not available in either the single component of the blends or other polymers.