Polarization studies by the TSC technique on a blend of cellulose acetate and polyvinyl acetate

The thermally stimulated current (TSC) technique has been used to study solvent‐cast blends of a cellulose derivative with a vinyl polymer. TSC peaks are observed at 56, 80, and 120°C. Their origin is investigated because the TSC spectra of the blends differ from the spectra of the individual components. Data on blends with components in the weight ratios 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25 indicate that the 50:50 blend shows the greatest polarization. The enhancement of depolarization currents observed on blending is explained on the basis of a Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars polarization due to increased heterogeneity in the structure. Effects of forming conditions (time, temperature, field) on polarization have been investigated. Activation energies and relaxation times are calculated; there is good agreement between the values obtained from the initial‐rise and the full‐curve methods.