A diffuse interface model is used to simulate a step-shear experiment of a binary immiscible polymer blend. The gradient theory used in diffuse interface modeling makes it possible to incorporate interfacial tension and governs the process of coalescence and breakup without any additional decision criteria. The interface tensor q, a direct outcome of the model, is used to relate microstructural information to the first-normal stress difference N 1 . The results obtained are in qualitative agreement with experiments reported in the literature.
A partially miscible polymer PMMA/SAN blend is used in two component injection molding to produce a sandwich structure with a heterogeneous skin layer. Two different strategies are explored to obtain the desired structure either via sequential injection molding or via the use of the fountain flow. Both cases are studied with scanning electron microscopy to visualize the structure in the skin layer. In addition, numerical modelling examples are presented to improve understanding of the morphologies that have been created with injection molding.
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