Recent Developments in Compatibilization Strategies for Polymer Blends and Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT Polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites provide improved specific properties and enable development of advanced materials. However, poor interfacial adhesion and phase separation must be taken into account due to inherent incompatibility between different phases in these systems. To overcome this problem, various compatibilization strategies have been developed. This review highlights recent developments and emerging compatibilization strategies in polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites. In first section, classical methods including use of block, branched, and statistical copolymers, addition of low molecular weight materials, exchange reactions, selective cross‐linking agents, and use of fillers including Janus nanoparticles are discussed. Special focus is placed on reactive polymers containing maleic anhydride, carboxylic, amine, and hydroxyl/epoxy groups as well as polymers capable of forming ionic bonds. Importance of compatibilization in polymer nanocomposites is then discussed, and physical methods (such as surface treatment and encapsulation techniques) are compared with chemical methods (such as use of coupling agents and graft polymerization techniques). Conclusively, compatibilization not only increases phase stability and improves interfacial adhesion, but also significantly improves mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The advantages, limitations, and future prospects of compatibilization techniques for development of new generation advanced polymer materials are also discussed.