Thermal and morphological studies on poly(methyl methacrylate)/thermoplastic polyurethane blends

Poly( methyl methacrylate) ( PMMA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends in different compositions viz., 95/05, 90/10, 85/15 and 80/20 ( by wt/wt% of PMMA/ TPU) have been prepared by melt mixing using a twin screw extruder. The thermal stability of these blends has been characterized by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. All the blends are stable up to 381 degrees C and complete degradation occurs at 488 degrees C. A slight improvement in thermal stability was noticed with an increase in TPU content in the blends. Surface morphology of the blends has been studied by an optical microscope. Optical microphotographs revealed two-phase morphology for all the blends.