1. CRC for Polymers, Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476V Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia;2. CRC for Polymers, Polymer Science Group, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
Abstract:
Core crosslinked star (CCS) polymers ae synthesized and blended with linear polymers. Constrained mobility is revealed by an increase in modulus and strength with CCS polymer concentration, while creep deformation decreases and permanent strain increases. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature increase with CCS polymer concentration due to miscibility and linear‐CCS polymer “arm” interactions. Master curves shift to lower frequencies with blends that experience segmental relaxation across a broader time scale due to a range of molecular environments from linear to maximum constraints in the vicinity of the crosslinked cores. Fragility and apparent activation energy increase with CCS polymer content, while fractional free volume and volume expansion decrease.
