Crystallization of poly (phenylene sulfide) in blends with high density polyethylene and poly (ethylene terephthalate)

The crystallization kinetics of poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) in blends with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is reported. Although the crystallization of PPS took place in the presence of the molten phase of the second component in both cases, the changes observed in the crystallization behaviour of PPS were different. Isothermal crystallization studies indicated that the crystallization of PPS was accelerated in PPS/PET blends whereas it was retarded in PPS/HDPE blends. The presence of the molten phase of the second component was found to affect the crystallization of PPS through changes in both nucleation and growth processes. The differences observed in the crystallization behaviour of PPS are explained on the basis of the physical state of the melt and the possibility of chemical interactions