Crystallization kinetics and morphology of dynamically vulcanized poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silicone rubber blends

Effects of silicone rubber (SR) on the isothermal crystallization kinetics, non-isothermal crystallization kinetics, crystal structure, spherulitic morphology, rheological properties and mechanical properties of dynamically vulcanized poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/SR blends were investigated. Relative to the pure PVDF, incorporation of SR component has not only enhanced the non-isothermal crystallization rates of PVDF in the blends at the same cooling rate, but also increased the isothermal crystallization rates at the same crystallization temperature. The crystalline structure does not change for PVDF/SR blends. The poor interfacial adhesion and poor compatibility between the two phases play a critical role in the reduced Izod impact strength.