Prediction of a synergistic blend composition range based on polymer-solvent interactions*

Abstract Solubility characteristics of bisphenol A polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and their blends are studied in different solvents. A computer program known as ‘spherical volume of solubility’ is used to determine total and partial solubility parameters of the polymers and their blends. The solubility parameters calculated from group contribution techniques are compared with the computed data. Using Bagley's approach, the composition of a blend with synergy is predicted. Mechanical properties of the blends are found to be in good agreement with the predictions made from the solubility studies. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.