Does anyone know a technique to make PPS or PEI more flexible. I mean reaching at least 300-400% elongation at break. suggesting any rubber or TPE to blend with this material would be also nice.
PPS and PEI are both high-performance polymers that are known for their strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. However, they are also relatively rigid, which can limit their applications. There are a number of ways to make PPS and PEI more flexible, including:
Blending with other polymers: Blending PPS or PEI with a more flexible polymer, such as nylon or TPU, can significantly increase their flexibility.
Adding plasticizers: Plasticizers are compounds that can be added to polymers to make them more flexible. Common plasticizers for PPS and PEI include phthalates, adipates, and phosphates.
Cross-linking: Cross-linking is a process that can be used to increase the strength and stiffness of polymers. However, it can also make polymers more brittle. In the case of PPS and PEI, cross-linking can be used to increase their flexibility without sacrificing their strength.
Incorporation of fillers: Fillers can be added to polymers to improve their properties in a number of ways. In the case of PPS and PEI, fillers can be used to increase their flexibility and toughness.
The best way to make PPS and PEI more flexible will depend on the specific application. However, the methods listed above can be used to significantly increase the flexibility of these polymers.
Here are some additional details about each of the methods listed above:
Blending with other polymers: When blending PPS or PEI with another polymer, it is important to choose a polymer that has similar properties to PPS or PEI. This will help to ensure that the blend has the desired properties.
Adding plasticizers: Plasticizers are typically added to polymers in small amounts, typically 5-10% by weight. The amount of plasticizer that is needed will depend on the desired properties of the blend.
Cross-linking: Cross-linking can be done using a variety of methods, including chemical cross-linking and radiation cross-linking. The method that is used will depend on the specific polymer and the desired properties of the blend.
Incorporation of fillers: Fillers can be added to polymers in a variety of ways, including melt blending, solution blending, and in situ polymerization. The method that is used will depend on the specific polymer and the desired properties of the blend
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) are both inherently rigid polymers, so it can be challenging to make them more flexible. However, there are some strategies that can be used to improve their flexibility:
Copolymerization: PPS and PEI can be copolymerized with other monomers to introduce flexible segments into the polymer chains. For example, PPS can be copolymerized with a flexible monomer such as ethylene oxide to create a more flexible PPS copolymer. Similarly, PEI can be copolymerized with a flexible monomer such as polyethylene glycol to create a more flexible PEI copolymer.
Plasticization: PPS and PEI can be plasticized by adding small molecules or polymers that can interact with the polymer chains and increase their mobility. For example, PPS can be plasticized by adding a small amount of a plasticizer such as polyethylene glycol or a low molecular weight polymer. Similarly, PEI can be plasticized by adding a small amount of a hydrophilic polymer such as polyethylene glycol or a surfactant.
Blending: PPS and PEI can be blended with other polymers to create a more flexible composite material. For example, PPS can be blended with a flexible polymer such as polyamide or a thermoplastic elastomer to create a more flexible PPS composite. Similarly, PEI can be blended with a flexible polymer such as polyurethane or a thermoplastic elastomer to create a more flexible PEI composite.
It is important to note that modifying the properties of PPS and PEI may also affect their other properties such as strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the performance of any modified polymer system to ensure that it meets the desired requirements for the intended application.