Morphology and properties of crystalline polyester‐siloxane block copolymers

A new series of crystalline (AB)n type multiblock copolymers based on crystalline poly(hexamethylene sebacate) (HMS) and amorphous poly(dimethylsiloxane) (DMS) has been prepared, and their solid state properties have been examined. The copolymers range from 0‐69 wt percent DMS, and they crystallize in spherulitic textures when cast in films from solution or the melt. As the DMS concentration in the copolymers increases, the spherulite sizes decrease, but only a very small melting point depression is observed. Available evidence suggests extensive microphase separation in the bulk of the solid state. Surface characterization of the copolymers indicates that phase separation is also prevalent at the polymer‐air interface. The block copolymers and polyblends have critical surface tensions of wetting very similar to DMS homopolymer.