Blend-based polymer electrolytes of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and fully amorphous cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide-co-propylene oxide) (poly(EO/PO)) were prepared and their thermal behavior, morphology, electrical and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. Experimental results showed that the blend-based polymer electrolytes exhibited network-type morphology and the cross-linked poly(EO/PO) could effectively reduce the crystallization tendency of PEO in the blend-based polymer electrolytes and decrease the melting point of the polymer electrolyte. The blend-based polymer electrolytes showed combinatorial electrical properties of both pristine PEO and poly(EO/PO). In addition, the blend-based polymer electrolytes showed favorable dimensional stability and therefore illustrated excellent mechanical strength. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.