A miscible polymer/polymer system, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/acrylic rubber (ACM), was subjected to dynamic vulcanization to yield an oil- and heat-resistant thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The morphology of the TPE has been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was shown that phase decomposition occurs during the dynamic vulcanization process and that the TPE consists of a PVDF-rich matrix and ACM-rich cross-linked particles of submicron diameter in which PVDF crystal lamellae are well developed. The TPE displayed excellent mechanical properties, namely, high tensile strength, large elongation at break, and excellent strain recovery from the highly deformed state. It also showed excellent oil and heat resistance. The formation of PVDF lamellae in ACM-rich particles may be the reason for the excellent oil resistance.

A Cu(In,Al)S2 thin film solar cell has exhibited good adhesion to Mo-coated glass and comparatively high efficiency. The sputter-deposited metallic precursor was sulfurized and then treated in a KCN solution to remove a Cu x S impurity phase and an excessive Al compound from the film surface. When the precursor layer was Cu-rich, the treated sulfide film could be used as an efficient absorber material. It had the same band gap as CuInS2. The spectral response of the cell was increased in a short wavelength range. The bottom region of the film was considered to consist of a Cu(In,Al)S2 alloy that enhanced the film adhesion to the Mo back contact. The film was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy and field ion microscopy combined with focused ion beam technique.

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Polyamide (PA) was blended with a reactive polyolefin, poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate), using an extremely long (L/Dϭ100, L: screw length, D: screw diameter) twin-screw extruder. The reactive blending yielded a unique morphology of the sub-mm polyolefin particles in which 20 nm PA micelles were occluded. It implies that the in situ-formed graft copolymer was pulled in the dispersed particles. The blend showed ultra-high toughness (non-break at Izod impact test) and non-viscoelastic tensile property: the higher deformation rate led to the lower modulus and the larger elongation at break. In the tensile stress-strain curve, the sharp yielding point characteristic to crystalline polymer was hardly seen and the necking stress was maintained almost constant without strain hardening. It suggests a potential application for the energy absorbing car parts, to be friendly for pedestrian and driver. Figure 1.Pull-out of in situ formed-block copolymer formed at the interface during reactive blending dissimilar polymers.