Abstract
We analyze interfaces between A-righ and B-rich phases in symmetric ternary polymer blends
with a non-selective C minority component. The interfacial tension σ and the
interfacial thicknesses of the composition profiles of φA(x) − φB(x), and φC(x), L1 and L2, respectively, are calculated by solving the
linearized equation resulting from minimizing σ as a function of the average
composition of C, C = 1 −
, with
/2 =
A =
B, and the net interaction per thermal energy between
components A and B, χAB = χ
(χAC = χBC = ηχ). As
C increases the interfacial thickness increases and the interfacial
tension decreases. Our results are in excellent agreement with the steady-state
solution of the non-linear spinodal decomposition equations.