EPISODE 2 - English
Advanced Characterization of Polymer Blends: Mechanical and Thermal Insights into PPE/HIPS Systems

Polymer blends are engineered to overcome the limitations of individual polymers, with their final properties highly dependent on processing conditions. This study demonstrates how advanced mechanical analysis techniques can reveal performance characteristics beyond standard datasheets. A blend of polyphenylene ether (PPE) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) is examined using tensile testing for initial strength assessment, followed by comprehensive fatigue testing to generate a Wöhler curve. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) further illustrates the influence of temperature on material behavior, and the time–temperature superposition principle is applied to simulate long-term creep across a broad temperature range. These methods collectively provide critical insights into the real-world performance of polymer blends, supporting more informed material selection during research and development.