Iran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Welding Methods for Joining Polymer Nanocomposites in Automobile ApplicationsWelding Methods for Joining Polymer Nanocomposites in Automobile Applications312136810.22063/basparesh.2017.1368FAJournal Article20160609In recent years, one of the advances made in plastic and composite industries has been the development and commodification of polymer base nanocomposites. Nanocomposites due to their better mechanical, electrical and thermal properties compared to conventional polymers, metals and ceramics have been welcomed by many industries including automobile, ship and aerospace manufacturers. The morphology of polymer and polymer nanocomposites and the optimization of their mechanical, thermal and electrical properties have been investigated by many researchers. Investigation on their weldability is necessary to achieve successful welding process in order to increase their application in industry. This article reviews the methods used for bonding and joining polymers and polymer nanocomposites. Since welding is the best method for joining polymer and polymer nanocomposites, the review, in particular, is focused on various welding methods such as laser process which is currently used in this field. Laser welding processes offer many advantages such as high speed, high density power, easy control and automation, non-contact operation, non-contamination and therefore no subsequent operations, and low heat energy input into the work-piece which causes thin heat affected zone. With all the advantages mentioned above, laser welding is the best process for joining polymer and polymer nanocomposite used in automotive industry.In recent years, one of the advances made in plastic and composite industries has been the development and commodification of polymer base nanocomposites. Nanocomposites due to their better mechanical, electrical and thermal properties compared to conventional polymers, metals and ceramics have been welcomed by many industries including automobile, ship and aerospace manufacturers. The morphology of polymer and polymer nanocomposites and the optimization of their mechanical, thermal and electrical properties have been investigated by many researchers. Investigation on their weldability is necessary to achieve successful welding process in order to increase their application in industry. This article reviews the methods used for bonding and joining polymers and polymer nanocomposites. Since welding is the best method for joining polymer and polymer nanocomposites, the review, in particular, is focused on various welding methods such as laser process which is currently used in this field. Laser welding processes offer many advantages such as high speed, high density power, easy control and automation, non-contact operation, non-contamination and therefore no subsequent operations, and low heat energy input into the work-piece which causes thin heat affected zone. With all the advantages mentioned above, laser welding is the best process for joining polymer and polymer nanocomposite used in automotive industry.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1368_8899dfb0a3548c17ca6e8fa5365444ff.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522An Introduction to Poly(3,4-thiophene) ethylenedioxy-Polystyrene Sulfonate as a Hole Transporting Layer in Polymer Solar CellsAn Introduction to Poly(3,4-thiophene) ethylenedioxy-Polystyrene Sulfonate as a Hole Transporting Layer in Polymer Solar Cells1325137410.22063/basparesh.2017.1374FASahar MahmoudiM.Sc/Amirkabir University of TechnologyLeila NajiSholeh KazemifardPh.D. Candidate/Amirkabir University of TechnologyJournal Article20160502Polymer solar cells (PSCs) as one of the new types of solar cells have attracted a lot of attention due to their some advantages such as flexibility, light weight, low-cost large-scale manufacturing and solution processability. This category of PSCs is composed of three main layers including anode, active layer and cathode. The layers entitled "hole transporting layer" (HTL) and "electron transporting layer" (ETL) are generally designed in the main structure of a PSC. These layers improve the solar cell performance in conversion of solar energy to electricity. HTL as a layer can block electron movement to anode and only allows holes to move. Various compounds are introduced as "hole transporting" materials. Today, the most successful candidate material as "hole transporting" material for polymer solar cells is poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate or PEDOT:PSS which is composed of conductive PEDOT and PSS insulator. In this paper, the synthesis methods of PEDOT:PSS and its properties and components are introduced and its electrical property is optimized in order to enhance the performance of PSC, while the "hole transportation mechanism" has been considered in the polymer solar cell structure.Polymer solar cells (PSCs) as one of the new types of solar cells have attracted a lot of attention due to their some advantages such as flexibility, light weight, low-cost large-scale manufacturing and solution processability. This category of PSCs is composed of three main layers including anode, active layer and cathode. The layers entitled "hole transporting layer" (HTL) and "electron transporting layer" (ETL) are generally designed in the main structure of a PSC. These layers improve the solar cell performance in conversion of solar energy to electricity. HTL as a layer can block electron movement to anode and only allows holes to move. Various compounds are introduced as "hole transporting" materials. Today, the most successful candidate material as "hole transporting" material for polymer solar cells is poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate or PEDOT:PSS which is composed of conductive PEDOT and PSS insulator. In this paper, the synthesis methods of PEDOT:PSS and its properties and components are introduced and its electrical property is optimized in order to enhance the performance of PSC, while the "hole transportation mechanism" has been considered in the polymer solar cell structure.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1374_f97e0b25d9be6d5a7a8feae034ea9f6a.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Study of Polymer Composite Cases in Solid Propellant Rocket MotorsStudy of Polymer Composite Cases in Solid Propellant Rocket Motors2637135510.22063/basparesh.2017.1355FAYaseen KaykhaAbbas KebritchiJournal Article20160406It has taken plenty of effort to improve motor case, because it has an effective role in the final performance of rockets. The selection of material for a given case depends on the applied loads (bending, shear, axial) and its final application. Today, in fabrication of rocket motor cases, filament-wound polymer composites are regarded as alternative materials to metals due to their lower weight, higher specific strength and better protection of the propellant against external stimuli. In order to compare the performances of metallic and composite motor cases, the performance factor is used. The performance factor is influenced by the chosen polymer matrix (epoxy, polyether ether ketone or polyamide-imide) and the type of fiber (carbon, glass or Kevlar) as well as lamination arrangement of layers. The manufacturing process of composite cases, respectively, involves mandrel integration, applying thermal insulation on the mandrel, helical and hoop winding, curing and finally proof tests. In order to achieve a high-performance composite case, the polymer matrix is analyzed before and after curing by thermal analysis techniques such as DMA and DSC, and the physical and mechanical properties of small-scale motor and real-scale motor are investigated.It has taken plenty of effort to improve motor case, because it has an effective role in the final performance of rockets. The selection of material for a given case depends on the applied loads (bending, shear, axial) and its final application. Today, in fabrication of rocket motor cases, filament-wound polymer composites are regarded as alternative materials to metals due to their lower weight, higher specific strength and better protection of the propellant against external stimuli. In order to compare the performances of metallic and composite motor cases, the performance factor is used. The performance factor is influenced by the chosen polymer matrix (epoxy, polyether ether ketone or polyamide-imide) and the type of fiber (carbon, glass or Kevlar) as well as lamination arrangement of layers. The manufacturing process of composite cases, respectively, involves mandrel integration, applying thermal insulation on the mandrel, helical and hoop winding, curing and finally proof tests. In order to achieve a high-performance composite case, the polymer matrix is analyzed before and after curing by thermal analysis techniques such as DMA and DSC, and the physical and mechanical properties of small-scale motor and real-scale motor are investigated.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1355_1d5e63ffec61c9ed3dc82bc308de19a7.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Structural Effect of Various Superplasticizers on Their Properties and Interaction with Concrete Active ParticlesStructural Effect of Various Superplasticizers on Their Properties and Interaction with Concrete Active Particles3849137210.22063/basparesh.2017.1372FAJournal Article20160514Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizers are branch polymers with a main chain consisting of sodium salt of carboxylic and sulfonic acids ionic groups and polyethylene glycol arms. The efficiency of superplasticizer in concrete depends on the size of main chain, structures of repeating units, ion/branching ratio and density of branches with various side chain lengths. Superplasticizers are interacted and adsorbed on the surface of active particles present in the concrete. In the presence of polycarboxylate superplasticizers, hydration behavior of active sites and formation of crystals were investigated by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that adsorption of superplasticizers on the active species decreased the size of calcium hydroxide (CaOH) crystals and controlled the heat of hydration. Mechanical strengths, fluidity and fluidity retention of the concrete improved in the presence of superplasticizers. Furthermore, superplasticizers decreased the permeability of concrete and made its microstructure more compact.<br /><br /><br />Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizers are branch polymers with a main chain consisting of sodium salt of carboxylic and sulfonic acids ionic groups and polyethylene glycol arms. The efficiency of superplasticizer in concrete depends on the size of main chain, structures of repeating units, ion/branching ratio and density of branches with various side chain lengths. Superplasticizers are interacted and adsorbed on the surface of active particles present in the concrete. In the presence of polycarboxylate superplasticizers, hydration behavior of active sites and formation of crystals were investigated by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that adsorption of superplasticizers on the active species decreased the size of calcium hydroxide (CaOH) crystals and controlled the heat of hydration. Mechanical strengths, fluidity and fluidity retention of the concrete improved in the presence of superplasticizers. Furthermore, superplasticizers decreased the permeability of concrete and made its microstructure more compact.<br /><br /><br />http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1372_c9195fe868b39edd1edca9ea4df6806c.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Poly(vinyl chloride) Nanocomposites: Overview on Mechanical and Thermal PropertiesPoly(vinyl chloride) Nanocomposites: Overview on Mechanical and Thermal Properties5060137310.22063/basparesh.2017.1373FAMahroo Khaleghi MoghadamJournal Article20160531Besides polyethylene and polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of today’s most common plastics. This plastic has a large number of applications due to its wide range of properties such as good mechanical properties, chemical and photo stability and also special characteristics suitable for thermal processing. Because virgin PVC is unstable in the presence of heat, light and oxygen, it needs a host of additives to make it usable. Different ways have been used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC such as adding other polymers or additives for making PVC compounds. In PVC compounds, lead, cadmium and organotins are usually used as stabilizers, phthalates as softeners and other chemicals as additives. The solid additives are usually added first. Common additives used in the PVC compounds are generally hazardous materials, therefore incorporation of high performance non-toxic nano-scale inorganic fillers into poly(vinyl chloride) formulations has drawn the attention of many researchers in the last decades. The paper provides an overview on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites.Besides polyethylene and polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of today’s most common plastics. This plastic has a large number of applications due to its wide range of properties such as good mechanical properties, chemical and photo stability and also special characteristics suitable for thermal processing. Because virgin PVC is unstable in the presence of heat, light and oxygen, it needs a host of additives to make it usable. Different ways have been used to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PVC such as adding other polymers or additives for making PVC compounds. In PVC compounds, lead, cadmium and organotins are usually used as stabilizers, phthalates as softeners and other chemicals as additives. The solid additives are usually added first. Common additives used in the PVC compounds are generally hazardous materials, therefore incorporation of high performance non-toxic nano-scale inorganic fillers into poly(vinyl chloride) formulations has drawn the attention of many researchers in the last decades. The paper provides an overview on the mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1373_9eea53014a5f5a71369ff7fdea70b233.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Biodegradable Polymers in Food Packaging Industry: Applications, Limitations and Solutions ThereofBiodegradable Polymers in Food Packaging Industry: Applications, Limitations and Solutions Thereof6170136710.22063/basparesh.2017.1367FAZoha Chahardehi SiratiJournal Article20160430Materials, including plastics, glass, metals, paper and paperboards which are traditionally used in food packaging industry have the disadvantage of migration into food material, resulting in pollutions, wastes and recycling problems. Plastic wastes from food packaging materials are always a big concern for the environment. Therefore, recent researches have been focused on finding suitable alternatives for these types of packaging materials. Eco-friendly biodegradable polymers can be considered as a suitable option. On the other hand, the use of such biopolymers as food packaging materials is subjected to several limitations. The major factors limiting their application in food packaging include brittleness, stiffness, thermal instability and high water vapor and gas permeability. Coating, blending, and chemical/physical modifications are the most recent strategies for improving the properties of biopolymers. This study discusses the properties and limitations of biodegradable polymers used in food packaging as well as approaches for their modification.Materials, including plastics, glass, metals, paper and paperboards which are traditionally used in food packaging industry have the disadvantage of migration into food material, resulting in pollutions, wastes and recycling problems. Plastic wastes from food packaging materials are always a big concern for the environment. Therefore, recent researches have been focused on finding suitable alternatives for these types of packaging materials. Eco-friendly biodegradable polymers can be considered as a suitable option. On the other hand, the use of such biopolymers as food packaging materials is subjected to several limitations. The major factors limiting their application in food packaging include brittleness, stiffness, thermal instability and high water vapor and gas permeability. Coating, blending, and chemical/physical modifications are the most recent strategies for improving the properties of biopolymers. This study discusses the properties and limitations of biodegradable polymers used in food packaging as well as approaches for their modification.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1367_131ad3ac03b0ce9b1f68555a0768763b.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Acrylic Microgels: Preparation and ApplicationAcrylic Microgels: Preparation and Application7181136910.22063/basparesh.2017.1369FAKourosh KabiriIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteSolmaz MojaradJournal Article20151215Microgels are micrometer-sized particles which consist of a cross-linked polymer network swollen by a solvent, typically water. Nowadays, these materials are an important topic of interdisciplinary research in the fields of polymer chemistry and physics, materials science, pharmacy, and medicine. They have a broad field of actual and potential applications ranging from filler materials in coating industry to modern biomaterials for controlled drug delivery. The most famous examples of microgel materials are cross-linked poly (acrylic acid) and its derivatives with various cross-linker types. One of the major applications of these materials is their use as thickeners. The high surface areas of microgels allow them to absorb large amounts of solvent to increase the viscosity of their solution. The purpose of this paper is to investigate methods for the synthesis of acrylic microgels, and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method depending on the application and at the end, a brief description will be made on their main applications.Microgels are micrometer-sized particles which consist of a cross-linked polymer network swollen by a solvent, typically water. Nowadays, these materials are an important topic of interdisciplinary research in the fields of polymer chemistry and physics, materials science, pharmacy, and medicine. They have a broad field of actual and potential applications ranging from filler materials in coating industry to modern biomaterials for controlled drug delivery. The most famous examples of microgel materials are cross-linked poly (acrylic acid) and its derivatives with various cross-linker types. One of the major applications of these materials is their use as thickeners. The high surface areas of microgels allow them to absorb large amounts of solvent to increase the viscosity of their solution. The purpose of this paper is to investigate methods for the synthesis of acrylic microgels, and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method depending on the application and at the end, a brief description will be made on their main applications.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1369_180fc6e48c8c984076f4a3479b842250.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Mechanical Properties of Date Palm Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A ReviewMechanical Properties of Date Palm Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Review8293137710.22063/basparesh.2017.1377FAJournal Article20160527Nowadays, plant originated fibers have received much attention in many industrial applications, especially infifiber-reinforced composites, due to their potential in solving emerging problems concerning the living environment and shortage of oil resources. Natural fifibers are lightweight, low cost, eco-friendly, renewable and biodegradable, in some cases, therefore, they can be used as alternatives to mineral and glass for production of lightweight composite structures. In recent years, a number of research works have been done on date palm as reinforcing agents in thermoset and thermoplastic composites. These fifibers are usually discarded as agricultural wastes in annual pruning. Therefore, their utilization in composite industry can result in manufacturing cost-effective products. This study is a review on mechanical properties of date palm fifiber reinforced composites studied and published by researchers to date. According to the results, surface modifification of date palm fifibers and improvement in interfacial adhesion increase tensile and flexural properties of the composites reinforced with these fifibers. Also, weight fraction and fifiber distribution are two important factors that influence mechanical properties of the composites. In this work, an attempt is made to collect information and to highlight previous works done in this fifield in order to provide a comprehensive literature for researchers to pave the way in their further studies.Nowadays, plant originated fibers have received much attention in many industrial applications, especially infifiber-reinforced composites, due to their potential in solving emerging problems concerning the living environment and shortage of oil resources. Natural fifibers are lightweight, low cost, eco-friendly, renewable and biodegradable, in some cases, therefore, they can be used as alternatives to mineral and glass for production of lightweight composite structures. In recent years, a number of research works have been done on date palm as reinforcing agents in thermoset and thermoplastic composites. These fifibers are usually discarded as agricultural wastes in annual pruning. Therefore, their utilization in composite industry can result in manufacturing cost-effective products. This study is a review on mechanical properties of date palm fifiber reinforced composites studied and published by researchers to date. According to the results, surface modifification of date palm fifibers and improvement in interfacial adhesion increase tensile and flexural properties of the composites reinforced with these fifibers. Also, weight fraction and fifiber distribution are two important factors that influence mechanical properties of the composites. In this work, an attempt is made to collect information and to highlight previous works done in this fifield in order to provide a comprehensive literature for researchers to pave the way in their further studies.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1377_b6276ba0b51ab82011fc77aefdeaaa43.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522A New Approach to Mediated Surface Oxidation of Rubbers by Silver (II) IonA New Approach to Mediated Surface Oxidation of Rubbers by Silver (II) Ion94101137610.22063/basparesh.2017.1376FAJournal Article20160606Due to their high redox potential, metal ion couples such as silver (I)/silver (II), cerium (III)/ cerium (IV), cobalt (III)/cobalt (II) and manganese (III)/ manganese (II) are used as strong and stable oxidants in mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) method for surface modification of polymers, specially elastomers. Silver which has the highest redox potential and oxidation effects of metals is more used in mediated electrochemical oxidation methods. Because of the importance of surface modification and oxidation of elastomers in secondary applications such as improvement of adhesion or compatibility and also for both economic and environmental reasons, mediated electrochemical oxidation technique has received increasing attention. Enhancement of surface oxygen content, variations in surface morphology, topography, hydrophilicity, surface polarity, formation of surface functionality and removing weak surface boundary layer are the vital advantages of the modification of rubber surface obtained by mediated electrochemical oxidation method. Also, higher oxidation rate, lower energy consumption, and mediator ion reversibility are other benefits of mediated electrochemical oxidation method. In this article, a brief review on the mechanism of surface modification performed by mediated electrochemical oxidation methods and the effect of surface modification on the surface properties of elastomers are presented.Due to their high redox potential, metal ion couples such as silver (I)/silver (II), cerium (III)/ cerium (IV), cobalt (III)/cobalt (II) and manganese (III)/ manganese (II) are used as strong and stable oxidants in mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) method for surface modification of polymers, specially elastomers. Silver which has the highest redox potential and oxidation effects of metals is more used in mediated electrochemical oxidation methods. Because of the importance of surface modification and oxidation of elastomers in secondary applications such as improvement of adhesion or compatibility and also for both economic and environmental reasons, mediated electrochemical oxidation technique has received increasing attention. Enhancement of surface oxygen content, variations in surface morphology, topography, hydrophilicity, surface polarity, formation of surface functionality and removing weak surface boundary layer are the vital advantages of the modification of rubber surface obtained by mediated electrochemical oxidation method. Also, higher oxidation rate, lower energy consumption, and mediator ion reversibility are other benefits of mediated electrochemical oxidation method. In this article, a brief review on the mechanism of surface modification performed by mediated electrochemical oxidation methods and the effect of surface modification on the surface properties of elastomers are presented.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1376_09bb571f87a7a3de58a4cf815cf169f8.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Water-born and UV-cured Epoxy-acrylate Copolymers and Their NanocompositesWater-born and UV-cured Epoxy-acrylate Copolymers and Their Nanocomposites102113139610.22063/basparesh.2017.1396FAMEHDI AMANIPhd candidate/ Tehran UniversityAlireza ShakeriJournal Article20160416Preparation and application of different kinds of epoxy-acrylate copolymers and theirnanocomposites reinforced with different types of nanoparticles arereviewed. These copolymers and nanocompositeshavereceivedgreat attention by academics and industrialists to provideeco-friendly routeswhere the toxic chemicals, particularly organic solvents, which are hazardous to health and environment and are replaced with water. Water-borne coatings exhibit water white color, good weather stability, high durability, considerable corrosion resistance in most corrosive environments, high polarity, excellent transparency, low toxicity and good adhesive properties as well as good physical and mechanical properties. There are different methods for preparation of water-born epoxy-acrylate nanocomposites reinforced with different nanoparticles and nano structures.The final properties of these reinforced nanocomposites can be influenced through curing procedures including physical curing, UV-beam curing or curing with water-soluble chemical agents. Herein, the structure, preparation and properties of polymer nanocomposites are discussed in general along with detailed examples drawn from the scientific literatures. The industrial applications of these nanocomposites in aerospace, biomedicine, microelectronics, especially stereo lithography and light-emitting diodes, and special coatings used in corrosive environments are reviewed.Preparation and application of different kinds of epoxy-acrylate copolymers and theirnanocomposites reinforced with different types of nanoparticles arereviewed. These copolymers and nanocompositeshavereceivedgreat attention by academics and industrialists to provideeco-friendly routeswhere the toxic chemicals, particularly organic solvents, which are hazardous to health and environment and are replaced with water. Water-borne coatings exhibit water white color, good weather stability, high durability, considerable corrosion resistance in most corrosive environments, high polarity, excellent transparency, low toxicity and good adhesive properties as well as good physical and mechanical properties. There are different methods for preparation of water-born epoxy-acrylate nanocomposites reinforced with different nanoparticles and nano structures.The final properties of these reinforced nanocomposites can be influenced through curing procedures including physical curing, UV-beam curing or curing with water-soluble chemical agents. Herein, the structure, preparation and properties of polymer nanocomposites are discussed in general along with detailed examples drawn from the scientific literatures. The industrial applications of these nanocomposites in aerospace, biomedicine, microelectronics, especially stereo lithography and light-emitting diodes, and special coatings used in corrosive environments are reviewed.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1396_a6f361bfbc26fde7b5797590583187cb.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Characterization of Phase Separation in Polymer BlendsCharacterization of Phase Separation in Polymer Blends114125139710.22063/basparesh.2017.1397FASanaz BabadiJournal Article20151108Polymers are widely used in different industries because of their wide range of applications. The use of polymer combinations as blends is common because one single polymer alone does not provide the desired properties required for some specific applications. There are two methods for preparation of polymer combinations: chemical (copolymerization) and physical (blending). Polymer combination leads to better performance, physical and mechanical properties while it reduces the cost effectively. Mixing of polymers is usually difficult because the entropy of mixing is low, and induces phase separation in polymer blend. The properties of polymer blends are affected through phase separation. The properties of polymer blends are associated with their morphology and affected by the miscibility of components and phase separation mechanism. Phase separation in polymer blends can be explained by a combination of kinetic and thermodynamic effects. The physical origin of phase separation is due to fluctuations that include different mechanisms such as nucleation, diffusion, growth and coalescence. So it is of utmost importance to know the governing mechanisms and the factors affecting the phase separation. There are many ways to identify this phenomenon, among them the rheological measurements are the best. This article provides a comprehensive view of the field of phase separation in the polymer blends, the dominant mechanisms, the effective parameters and the methods of determining the phenomenon.Polymers are widely used in different industries because of their wide range of applications. The use of polymer combinations as blends is common because one single polymer alone does not provide the desired properties required for some specific applications. There are two methods for preparation of polymer combinations: chemical (copolymerization) and physical (blending). Polymer combination leads to better performance, physical and mechanical properties while it reduces the cost effectively. Mixing of polymers is usually difficult because the entropy of mixing is low, and induces phase separation in polymer blend. The properties of polymer blends are affected through phase separation. The properties of polymer blends are associated with their morphology and affected by the miscibility of components and phase separation mechanism. Phase separation in polymer blends can be explained by a combination of kinetic and thermodynamic effects. The physical origin of phase separation is due to fluctuations that include different mechanisms such as nucleation, diffusion, growth and coalescence. So it is of utmost importance to know the governing mechanisms and the factors affecting the phase separation. There are many ways to identify this phenomenon, among them the rheological measurements are the best. This article provides a comprehensive view of the field of phase separation in the polymer blends, the dominant mechanisms, the effective parameters and the methods of determining the phenomenon.http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1397_6668f6bc996595e163d40894e10beafb.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522newsnews1261301471FAJournal Article20170625http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1471_704b95d37aa69377296843370bc14c7e.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522Prominent ScientistProminent Scientist1311371472FAMajid Ghiass0000-0002-6567-1804Journal Article20170625http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1472_d409f36d3b61ccd199a26d3b7d166329.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522ThesisThesis1381391473FAJournal Article20170625http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1473_c9c35077421df7c7a4b74b66604c873d.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522BookBook1401411474FAJournal Article20170625http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1474_5f9a3768a8129f5f571ca47c2e73e58f.pdfIran Polymer and Petrochemical InstituteBasparesh2252-04497120170522websitewebsite1421421475FAJournal Article20170625http://basparesh.ippi.ac.ir/article_1475_1c4d112dbe4f491d9e4bc02270549259.pdf