Effects of acrylic‐based processing aids on processibility,rheology, thermal and structural stability,and mechanical properties of PVC/wood–sawdust composites

Methyl methacrylate and ethylacrylate (MMA‐co‐EA) and methyl methacrylate and butylacrylate (MMA‐co‐BA) copolymeric processing aids were introduced into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/33.3 wt % wood–sawdust composites containing 0.6 and 2.4 phr of calcium stearate lubricant. The properties of the composites were monitored in terms of processibility, rheology, thermal and structural stability, and mechanical properties. It was found that the mixing torque, wall shear stress, and extrudate swell ratio increased with increasing processing aid content because of increased PVC entanglement. MMA‐co‐BA (PA20) was found to be more effective than MMA‐co‐EA (K120 and K130), this being associated with the flexibility of the processing aids, and the dipole–dipole interactions between sawdust particles and polymeric processing aids. The sharkskin characteristic of the composite extrudate at high extrusion rate was moderated by the presence of processing aids. Adding the acrylic‐based processing aids and lubricant into PVC/sawdust composites improved the thermal and structural stability of the composites, which were evidenced by an increase in glass transition and decomposition temperatures and a decrease in polyene sequences, respectively. The changes in the mechanical properties of the composites involved a composite homogeneity, which was varied by degree of entanglement and the presence of wood sawdust, and un‐reacted processing aids left in the composites. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 782–790, 2004     

Use of Functionalized Metallocene Copolymers from Ethylene and Polar Olefins as Compatibilizers for Low‐Density‐Polyethylene/Starch and Low‐Density‐Polyethylene/Dextran Blends

Summary: Functionalized metallocene copolymers synthesized from ethylene with 5‐hexen‐1‐ol and ethylene with 10‐undecen‐1‐ol were used as compatibilizers in LDPE/starch and LDPE/dextran blends in order to improve the interfacial adhesion between hydrophobic LDPE and hydrophilic natural polymers. An increase in tensile modulus and a slight decrease in tensile strength was observed when poly[ethylene‐co‐(10‐undecen‐1‐ol)] was added to a 70:30 wt.‐% LDPE/dextran blend, whereas the addition of poly[ethylene‐co‐(5‐hexen‐1‐ol)] as compatibilizer resulted in obtaining a more rigid material with a slightly higher modulus. Scanning electron microscopy of modified dextran blends containing 3 wt.‐% of both compatibilizers showed some degree of phase cocontinuity. Enhanced interfacial adhesion and decrease in particle size of starch was observed when 5 wt.‐% of poly [ethylene‐co‐(5‐hexen‐1‐ol)] copolymer was used as the compatibilizer in starch blends. The crystallization temperature of LDPE, determined by DSC, was shifted to a slightly higher temperature as a consequence of the addition of the compatibilizers. The existence of phase segregation was also revealed by thermal analysis when 5 wt.‐% of the copolymers were used as blend modifiers.

SEM micrograph of 70:30 wt.‐% LDPE/dextran blend with added poly[ethylene‐co‐(5‐hexen‐1‐ol)] compatibilizer.     

Effect of a hybrid compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and interfacial tension of a ternary blend with polypropylene,poly(lactic acid), and a toughening modifier

This study examined the effect of three compatibilizers, namely, a hybrid compatibilizer composed of polypropylene‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) and polyethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐g‐GMA), a single compatibilizer composed of PP‐g‐MAH, and a single compatibilizer composed of PE‐g‐GMA, on the mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of a ternary blend of polypropylene (PP), poly(lactic acid; PLA), and a toughening modifier. The results of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength tests for the ternary blends before and after hydrolysis, revealed that the ternary blend with a hybrid compatibilizer content of 3 phr exhibited better material properties than the blend containing a single compatibilizer. In the weighted relaxation spectra of the ternary blend using the Palierne emulsion model, the ternary blend containing the hybrid compatibilizer, exhibited only one relaxation spectrum peak at ∼ 0.16 s. This result suggests that the ternary blend with the hybrid compatibilizer exhibits uncharacteristic morphological properties, that is, a single‐phase microstructure. The above results suggest that the hybrid mixture is an effective compatibilizer for the ternary blend of PP, PLA, and a toughening modifier. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties of esterified tapioca starch–LDPE blends using LDPE‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate as compatibilizer

Studies on the mechanical properties of acetylated and phthalated starch blends with low density polyethylene (LDPE) were performed with and without LDPE‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymer as compatibilizer. Impact and tensile properties of the blend specimens were measured following standard ASTM methods. Thermogravimetric analysis of esterified starches and of the blends were also conducted. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the fractured and unfractured blends. Results indicate a significant improvement in the mechanical properties by starch esterification, which is further enhanced by the addition of the compatibilizer. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Studies on LDPE—Cyanoethylated lignocellulosics blends using epoxy functionalized LDPE as compatibilizer

Rubberwood flour and cellulose have been plasticized by cyanoethylation and then blended with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). A small quantity of epoxy functionalized polyethylene i.e., polyethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (PEGMA) has been added to further enhance the mechanical properties. The mechanical properties were measured according to the standard ASTM methods. SEM analysis was performed for both fractured and unfractured blend specimens. The mechanical properties were improved by the addition of PEGMA compatibilizer. LDPE blends with cyanoethylated wood flour (CYWF) showed higher tensile strength and modulus than cyanoethylated cellulose CYC‐LDPE blends. However CYC‐LDPE blends exhibited higher relative elongation at break values as compared with the former. The TGA analysis showed lowering of thermal stability as the filler content is increased and degradation temperature of LDPE is shifted slightly to lower temperature. DSC analysis showed loss of crystallinity for the LDPE phase as the filler content is increased for both types of blends. Dielectric properties of the blends were similar to LDPE, but were lowered on adding PEGMA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 219–237, 2006     

Mechanical,morphological, and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/low‐density polyethylene composites filled with date palm leaf fiber

This article investigates the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blends, at three different concentrations: 20, 50, and 80 wt% of LDPE. Besides, composite samples that were prepared from PVC/LDPE blend reinforced with different date palm leaf fiber (DPLF) content, 10, 20, and 30 wt%, were also studied. The sample in which PVC/LDPE (20 wt%/80 wt%) had the greatest tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus. The good thermal stability of this sample can be seen that T_10% and T_20% occurred at higher temperatures compared to others blends. DPLF slightly improved the tensile strength of the polymer blend matrix at 10 wt% (C10). The modulus of the composites increased significantly with increasing filler content. Ageing conditions at 80°C for 168 h slightly improved the mechanical properties of composites. Scanning electron microscopic micrographs showed that morphological properties of tensile fracture surface are in accordance with the tensile properties of these blends and composites. Thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry show that the thermal degradation of PVC/LDPE (20 wt%/80 wt%) blend and PVC/LDPE/DPLF (10 and 30 wt%) composites took place in two steps: in the first step, the blend was more stable than the composites. In the second step, the composites showed a slightly better stability than the PVC/LDPE (20 wt%/80 wt%) blend. Based on the above investigation, these new green composites (PVC/LDPE/DPLF) can be used in several applications. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E88–E93, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Low density polyethylene and grafted lignin polyblends using epoxy‐functionalized compatibilizer: mechanical and thermal properties

Lignin was graft copolymerized with methyl methacrylate using manganic pyrophosphate as initiator. This modified lignin was then blended (up to 50 wt%) with low density polyethylene (LDPE) using a small quantity of poly[ethylene‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)] (PEGMA) compatibilizer. The mechanical properties of the blend were substantially improved by using modified lignin in contrast to untreated lignin. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed loss of crystallinity of the LDPE phase owing to the interaction between the blend components. Thermogravimetric analysis showed higher thermal stability of modified lignin in the domain of blend processing. This suggested that there is scope for useful utilization of lignin, which could also lead to the development of eco‐friendly products. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of epoxy functionalized compatibilizer on the mechanical properties of low‐density polyethylene/plasticized tapioca starch blends

A series of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with varying proportions of plasticized tapioca starch have been used for the study of their mechanical properties. A functionalized epoxy resin, namely, poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) has been used as the compatibilizer. The impact and tensile properties have been measured by standard ASTM methods. The mechanical properties are seen to improve significantly with the addition of the epoxy compatibilizer, approaching values close to those of virgin LDPE. The scanning electron micrographs of the compatibilized blends show ductile failure which evidently contribute to improved mechanical properties. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and characterization of low‐density polyethylene/banana starch films containing compatibilizer and photosensitizer

Composite films containing various percentages of banana starch and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared. The effects of the compatibilizer, banana starch content, and photosensitizer content on the thermal and tensile properties of these films were investigated. The banana starch content was varied from 5 to 20 wt % of LDPE, whereas benzophenone was added as a photosensitizer in three different amounts (0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt %) based on LDPE. In these films PE‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) was used as a compatibilizer at 10 wt % banana starch. It was found that the thermal stability of the composite films remained unchanged with respect to the amount of banana starch and benzophenone content. The addition of banana starch had no effect on the melting temperature and degree of crystallinity of the films. Similarly, PE‐g‐MA had no effect on the melting temperature but decreased the degree of crystallinity of the LDPE phase. Benzophenone caused an increase in the melting temperature but decreased the degree of crystallinity of LDPE in the films. Increasing the amount of banana starch decreased the tensile properties of the composite films. The addition of PE‐g‐MA as a compatibilizer increased the tensile properties compared with the uncompatibilized films. However, benzophenone had no effect on the tensile properties of the blend films. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2717–2724, 2006     

Structural, morphological and mechanical characteristics of polyethylene, poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) blends

In this work, uncompatibilized and compatibilized blends of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were subjected to several investigations: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, morphological analysis and mechanical testing (tensile, impact, microhardness). The copolymer (ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (EGMA) was used as compatibilizer. The percentages of PLA in LDPE/PLA samples ranged from 0 to 100 wt% while the EGMA was added to the blend 60/40 (LDPE/PLA) at concentrations of 2, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 parts per hundred (phr). FTIR analysis showed the absence of any interaction between LDPE and PLA, but after addition of compatibilizer, reactions between epoxy groups of EGMA and carboxylic or hydroxyl groups of PLA were confirmed. Tensile and impact tests revealed a loss of ductility of LDPE with the incorporation of PLA, except for the composition 80/20 (LDPE/PLA). However, the addition of 15 phr of EGMA led to the maximum increase in the elongation-at-break (about three times the value of uncompatibilized blend) and in the impact strength, but a marginal improvement was observed for tensile strength. SEM micrographs confirmed that the enhancement of mechanical properties is due to the improvement of the interfacial adhesion between different phases owing to the presence of EGMA. The microhardness values of the different blends (uncompatibilized or compatibilized) were in good agreement with the macroscopic mechanical properties (tensile and impact strengths).     

Compatibilization of polypropylene/ poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) blends

Blending polypropylene (PP) with biodegradable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) can be a nice alternative to minimize the disposal problem of PP and the intrinsic brittleness that restricts PHB applications. However, to achieve acceptable engineering properties, the blend needs to be compatibilized because of the immiscibility between PP and PHB. In this work, PP/PHB blends were prepared with different types of copolymers as possible compatibilizers: poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) (PP–MAH), poly (ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) [P(E–MA)], poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(E–GMA)], and poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(E–MA–GMA)]. The effect of each copolymer on the morphology and mechanical properties of the blends was investigated. The results show that the compatibilizers efficiency decreased in this order: P(E–MA–GMA) > P(E–MA) > P(E–GMA) > PP–MAH; we explained this by taking into consideration the affinity degree of the compatibilizers with the PP matrix, the compatibilizers properties, and their ability to provide physical and/or reactive compatibilization with PHB. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

In situ fibre‐reinforced composite films of poly(lactic acid)/low‐density polyethylene blends: effects of composition on morphology,transport and mechanical properties

This study aimed to investigate the effects of blend composition on packaging‐related properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blown films. Blend films with PLA contents of 5–20 wt% were produced and compared. Scanning electron micrographs of cross‐sectional cryofractured surfaces of the blend films revealed that in situ fibre‐reinforced composites were obtained. Viscosity ratio of the polymer components of ca 1 confirmed that fibre formation was favourable for this blend system. PLA microdomains were dispersed throughout the film in forms of long fibres (length‐to‐diameter ratio > 100) and ribbons. The number of fibres and ribbons increased with an increase of PLA content. Critical content of PLA was found to be 20 wt% for effective improvement of both moduli and gas barrier properties. Incorporation of poly[ethylene‐co‐(methyl acrylate)] compatibilizer showed minimal effect on PLA structure. However, it did improve moduli and O₂ barrier properties when sufficient amount (1.5 pph) was used in 10 wt% PLA/LDPE. In short, flow behaviour, ratio of polymer components and degree of compatibility together played intricate roles in the morphology and hence mechanical and transport properties of PLA/LDPE immiscible blends. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improving low‐density polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends with graft copolymers

Blends of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were prepared with different weight compositions with a plasticorder at 240°C at a rotor speed of 64 rpm for 10 min. The physicomechanical properties of the prepared blends were investigated with special reference to the effects of the blend ratio. Graft copolymers, that is, LDPE‐grafted acrylic acid and LDPE‐grafted acrylonitrile, were prepared with γ‐irradiation. The copolymers were melt‐mixed in various contents (i.e., 3, 5, 7, and 9 phr) with a LDPE/PET blend with a weight ratio of 75/25 and used as compatibilizers. The effect of the compatibilizer contents on the physicomechanical properties and equilibrium swelling of the binary blend was investigated. With an increase in the compatibilizer content up to 7 phr, the blend showed an improvement in the physicomechanical properties and reduced equilibrium swelling in comparison with the uncompatibilized one. The addition of a compatibilizer beyond 7 phr did not improve the blend properties any further. The efficiency of the compatibilizers (7 phr) was also evaluated by studies of the phase morphology (scanning electron microscopy) and thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Photobiodegradation of low‐density polyethylene/banana starch films

The effects of the starch content, photosensitizer content, and compatibilizer on the photobiodegradability of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and banana starch polymer blend films were investigated. The compatibilizer and photosensitizer used in the films were PE‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) and benzophenone, respectively. Dried banana starch at 0–20% (w/w) of LDPE, benzophenone at 0–1% (w/w) of LDPE, and PE‐g‐MA at 10% (w/w) of banana starch were added to LDPE. The photodegradation of the blend films was performed with outdoor exposure. The progress of the photodegradation was followed by determining the carbonyl index derived from Fourier transform IR measurements and the changes in tensile properties. Biodegradation of the blend films was investigated by a soil burial test. The biodegradation process was followed by measuring the changes in the physical appearance, weight loss, and tensile properties of the films. The results showed that both photo‐ and biodegradation rates increased with increasing amounts of banana starch, whereas the tensile properties of the films decreased. The blends with higher amounts of benzophenone showed higher rates of photodegradation, although their biodegradation rates were reduced with an increase in benzophenone content. The addition of PE‐g‐MA into polymer blends led to an increase in the tensile properties whereas the photobiodegradation was slightly decreased compared to the films without PE‐g‐MA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2725–2736, 2006     

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene toughened nylon 6: The influences of compatibilizer on morphology and impact properties

Polymer alloys have been used as an alternative to obtain polymeric materials with unique physical properties. Generally, the polymer mixture is incompatible, which makes it necessary to use a compatibilizer to improve the interfacial adhesion. Nylon 6 (PA6) is an attractive polymer to use in engineering applications, but it has processing instability and relatively low notched impact strength. In this study, the acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) triblock copolymer was used as an impact modifier for PA6. Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐maleic anyhydride) (MMA‐MA) and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (MMA‐GMA) were used as compatibilizers for this blend. The morphology and impact strength of the blends were evaluated as a function of blend composition and the presence of compatibilizers. The blends compatibilized with maleated copolymer exhibited an impact strength up to 800 J/m and a morphology with ABS domains more efi8ciently dispersed. Moderate amounts of MA functionality in the compatibilizer (～5%) and small amounts of compatibilizer in the blend (～5%) appear sufficient to improve the impact properties and ABS dispersion. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 842–847, 2003     

An investigation on recycled PET/PP and recycled PET/PP‐EP compatibilized blends: Rheological,morphological, and mechanical properties

The effectiveness of P(E‐co‐MA‐co‐GMA) as a compatibilizer for recycled PET/PP and recycled PET/PP‐EP (polypropylene (ethylene‐propylene) heterophase copolymer) blends was investigated by means of morphological (scanning electron microscopy), rheological (small amplitude oscillatory shear), mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact tests), and thermal (differential scanning calorimetry) properties. Compatibilizer concentration ranged from 1 to 5 wt % with respect to the whole blend. All blends were obtained in a 90/10 composition using a twin screw extruder. Compatibilization effects for PETr/PP‐EP were more pronounced due to ethylene segments present in both PP‐EP and P(E‐co‐EA‐co‐GMA). PETr/PP‐EP has shown greater dispersed phase size reduction, a more solid‐like complex viscosity behavior and larger storage modulus at low frequencies in relation to PETr/PP blend. For both investigated blends, mechanical properties indicated an improvement in both elongation at break and impact strength with increasing compatibilizer content. PETr/PP‐EP blends showed improved performance for the same level of compatibilizer content. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41892.     

Effects of silane and MAPE coupling agents on the properties and interfacial adhesion of wood-filled PVC/LDPE blend

Composite samples were prepared from Poly(vinyl chloride)/low-density polyethylene (PVC/LDPE) blend, compatibilized by PA20 (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate copolymer), and reinforced by different levels of rubber-wood sawdust. To improve the mechanical properties of the composites, Silane A-137 (Octyltriethoxy silane), Silane A-1100 (γ-aminopropyltriethoxy silane), or MAPE (maleic anhydride-grafted-polyethylene) were introduced. It was found that the additions of Silane A-137, Silane A-1100, and MAPE could improve tensile and impact properties of the composites, regardless of the sawdust contents. Physical or chemical interactions for all coupling agents with the wood-PVC/LDPE composites used were proposed in this work. Silane A-137 or MAPE tended to give better improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites than Silane A-1100, because of the presence of the nonpolar chain ends of Silane A-137 or MAPE molecules. Besides, the addition of either Silane A-137 and MAPE or Silane A-1100 and MAPE at different ratios into the wood-PVC/LDPE composites was also studied. The experimental results suggested that the optimum mechanical properties could be obtained using Silane A-137 : MAPE of 1% : 2% wt sawdust. The morphological and thermal properties of the composites were also examined using SEM and DMA techniques, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Effect of moisture content on mechanical properties,thermal and structural stability and extrudate texture of poly(vinyl chloride)/wood sawdust composites

Mechanical properties and thermal and structural changes of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/wood sawdust composites were assessed with respect to the effect of moisture content, varying from 0.33 to 3.00 % by weight in the composite, for three different wood sawdust contents. The swell ratio and texture characteristics of the composite extrudates were also evaluated. Unique explanations were given to describe changes in the composite properties in terms of molecular interactions between PVC, cellulosic sawdust and moisture, such as dipole–dipole interactions, interfacial defects and bonding, fibre swelling, and moisture evaporation. The results suggest that at low moisture content the tensile modulus decreased and elongation at break of the composites increased with moisture content, the effect being reversed for high moisture content. Tensile strength decreased with increasing moisture content up to 1–2 %, and then unexpectedly increased at higher moisture contents. The effect of moisture content on flexural properties of the composite was similar to that on tensile properties. Impact strength of the composites was considerably improved with moisture content at low sawdust contents (16.7 wt%), and was independent of the moisture content at higher sawdust contents (28.6 and 37.5 wt%). A decrease in decomposition temperature with an increase in polyene content was evidenced with increasing moisture content, while the glass transition temperature did not change with varying moisture content. The extrudate swell ratio increased with the shear rate but remained unaffected by moisture content. The bubbling and peeling‐off in the composite extrudate occurred as a result of the evaporation of water molecules and the application of a high shear rate. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of compatibilizer in acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene toughened nylon 6 blends: Ductile–brittle transition temperature

The ductile–brittle transition temperatures were determined for compatibilized nylon 6/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PA6/ABS) copolymer blends. The compatibilizers used for those blends were methyl methacrylate‐co‐maleic anhydride (MMA‐MAH) and MMA‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (MMA‐GMA). The ductile–brittle transition temperatures were found to be lower for blends compatibilized through maleate modified acrylic polymers. At room temperature, the PA6/ABS binary blend was essentially brittle whereas the ternary blends with MMA‐MAH compatibilizer were supertough and showed a ductile–brittle transition temperature at ?10°C. The blends compatibilized with maleated copolymer exhibited impact strengths of up to 800 J/m. However, the blends compatibilized with MMA‐GMA showed poor toughness at room temperature and failed in a brittle manner at subambient temperatures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2643–2647, 2003     

Changes in the interfacial properties of PC/SAN blends with compatibilizer

Block copolymers of polycarbonate‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PC‐b‐PMMA) and tetramethyl poly(carbonate)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (TMPC‐b‐PMMA) were examined as compatibilizers for blends of polycarbonate (PC) with styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer. To explore the effects of block copolymers on the compatibility of PC/SAN blends, the average diameter of the dispersed particles in the blend was measured with an image analyzer, and the interfacial properties of the blends were analyzed with an imbedded fiber retraction (IFR) technique and an asymmetric double cantilever beam fracture test. The average diameter of dispersed particles and interfacial tension of the PC/SAN blends were reduced by adding compatibilizer to the PC/SAN blends. Fracture toughness of the blends was also improved by enhancing interfacial adhesion with compatibilizer. TMPC‐b‐PMMA copolymer was more effective than PC‐b‐PMMA copolymer as a compatibilizer for the PC/SAN blends. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2649–2656, 2003