Collaborative Research: Analysis and Properties of Co-continuous Blends - A Numerical and Experimental Investigation

对加工流程条件下共连续聚合物共混体系进行了理论、数值和实验研究。共连续共混由不同的连续相组成，这些相是在相反转点附近适当的流量和质量组成条件下形成的。这种共连续状态导致了加工后材料的协同特性，例如高导电性，轻质量和最佳机械响应。本研究旨在制定检测标准，生产条件，并更好地了解共连续共混物的稳定性。研究了牛顿流态，并研究了第三组分（即表面活性剂）的影响。为了进行这项研究，开发了新颖的，最先进的数值方法并应用于进行大规模模拟。同时，实验旨在提供对数学模型、仿真和理论的见解和验证。对共连续聚合物共混进行了理论、计算和实验研究。共连续聚合物共混物由不同的海绵状相组成，其中一种相起海绵的作用，另一种相起补充作用。这种共混物提供了一条重要的途径，使材料具有单一聚合物或传统分散（不连续）液滴形态的共混物所不具备的独特性能组合。这些独特的特性对材料和制造以及生物技术领域的应用产生了强烈的影响。例如，冲击强度和拉伸强度等机械性能可以超过任何一种共混组分。共连续聚合物共混物的另一个应用是用于传质控制的产品。特别是，含有干燥剂的透水相可用于从食品或药品等对水分敏感的产品中除去水分，而另一相则提供机械强度。这些产品性能的关键是控制孔径和体积。这项基础研究将最先进的数学和数值分析、建模和大规模科学计算与创新的实验计划结合在一起。实验旨在为数学模型、仿真和理论提供见解和验证。本研究旨在为控制共混物的孔径和体积，从而优化共混物的性能提供指导。预计这将导致共连续共混物的工业制造工艺和最终产品性能的重大改进。

A joint theoretical, numerical and experimental study of co-continuous polymer blends under processing flow conditions is performed. Co-continuous blends consist of distinct continuous phases that form under appropriate conditions of flow and mass compositions near the phase-inversion point. This co-continuous regime leads to synergistic properties of the materials after processing, such as high electrical conductivity coupled to light weight and optimal mechanical response. This study is aimed at the development of criteria for detection, conditions for production, and to a better understanding of the stability of co-continuous blends. The Newtonian flow regime is investigated and the effect of a third component, i.e. surfactants, is studied. To perform this study, novel, state-of-the-art numerical methods are developed and applied to perform large-scale simulations. In parallel, experiments are targeted to provide insight and validation of the mathematical models, simulations and theory.A joint theoretical, computational and experimental study of co-continuous polymer blends is performed. Co-continuous polymer blends consist of distinct sponge-like phases where one of the phases plays the role of the sponge and the other its complement. Such blends offer an important route to materials with unique combinations of properties not available insingle polymers or in blends with traditional dispersed (non continuous) droplet morphology. These unique properties impact strongly applications in the areas of materials and manufacturing, and biotechnology. For example, mechanical properties such as impact strength and tensile strength can exceed those of either blend component. Another application of co-continuous polymer blends is products for mass transfer control. In particular, a water-permeable phase containing a desiccant can be used to remove moisture from moisture sensitive products such as food or pharmaceuticals while the other phase provides mechanical strength. The key to performance in these products is the control of pore size and volume. This fundamental study brings together state-of-the-art mathematical and numerical analysis, modeling and large-scale scientific computation with an innovative experimental program. The experiments are targeted to provide insight and validation of the mathematical models, simulations and theory. This research is aimed to provide guidelines for controlling pore size and volume of the blends and thus to optimize the blend properties. It is expected to lead to significant improvements in the industrial fabrication processes of co-continuous blends and in the properties of the final products.