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Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
Miscibility and Cocrystallization in Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Blends
Asmita Ghosh1, Richard A Register1
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544-5263, United States.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Understanding ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer compatibility is key for recycling mixed plastics. This study reveals how composition differences affect EVOH blend miscibility and cocrystallization, crucial for improving recyclability.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer compatibility is vital for recycling mixed plastic waste streams.
- Understanding blend behavior is essential for developing effective recycling strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate melt miscibility and cocrystallization in binary blends of EVOH copolymers with varying ethylene content.
- To determine the influence of compositional differences on EVOH blend properties.
Main Methods:
- Optical microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to assess blend morphology.
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to analyze thermal transitions (melting and crystallization).
- Analysis of blends with up to 21 mol % composition difference.
Main Results:
- Miscible blends appeared homogeneous in melt; immiscible blends showed phase separation via AFM.
- EVOH blends with modest composition differences exhibited cocrystallization, indicated by single DSC peaks.
- Partial cocrystallization occurred even in phase-separated blends due to molten domain miscibility.
- Cocrystallization extent depended on freezing point differences and cooling rate.
Conclusions:
- The maximum compositional difference for EVOH miscibility is influenced by average comonomer content, defining a 'miscibility window'.
- Copolymer composition significantly impacts miscibility and cocrystallization in EVOH blends.
- Findings provide insights into enhancing the recyclability of mixed EVOH waste streams.
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