Investigation of phase separation mechanisms of thermoset polymer blends by time-resolved SAXS

Phase separation induced by crosslinking was studied by time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering in thermoset blend based on unsaturated polyester, styrene and low molar weight saturated polyester as low profile additive. The scattering intensities were analyzed using the Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory. Combining DSC and DMA experiments allowed us to conclude that phase separation proceeded via spinodal decomposition frozen in the early stage. Apparent diffusion coefficients D-app were estimated. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.