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     

Facile preparation of nylon 6 nanocomposites based on clay reinforcement and core‐shell latex toughening: Morphology,properties, and impact fracture behavior

This work is focused on a facile route to prepare a new type of nylon 6‐based nanocomposites with both high fracture toughness and high strength. A series of nylon 6‐matrix blends were prepared via melting extrusion by compounding with poly (methyl methacrylate‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (MBS) or poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐methylphenyl siloxane‐co‐styrene) (MSIS) latices as impact modifier and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) as compatibilizer. Layered organic clay was also incorporated into above nylon 6 blends for the reinforcement of materials. Morphology study suggests that the MBS or MSIS latex particles could achieve a mono‐dispersion in nylon 6 matrix with the aid of DGEBA, which improves the compatibilization and an interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the shell of MBS or MSIS. High impact toughness was also obtained but with a corresponding reduction in tensile strength and stiffness. A moderate amount of organic clay as reinforcing agent could gain a desirable balance between the strength, stiffness and toughness of the materials, and tensile strength and stiffness could achieve an improvement. This suggests that the combination of organic clay and core‐shell latex particles is a useful strategy to optimize and enhance the properties of nylon 6. Morphology observation indicates that the layered organic clay was completely exfoliated within nylon 6 matrix. It is found that the core‐shell latex particles and the clay platelets were dispersed individually in nylon 6 matrix, and no clay platelets were present in MBS or MSIS latex particles. So the presence of the clay in nylon 6 matrix does not disturb the latex particles to promote high fracture toughness via particle cavitation and subsequent matrix shear yielding, and therefore, provides maximum reinforcement to the polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

A study on the effects of SEBS‐g‐MAH on the phase morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene/polycarbonate/SEBS ternary polymer blends

In this work, five ternary blends based on 70% by weight (wt %) of polypropylene (PP) with 30% wt of polycarbonate (PC)/poly(styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene)(SEBS) dispersed phase consists of 15 wt % PC and 15 wt % reactive (maleic anhydride grafted) and nonreactive SEBS mixtures at various ratios were prepared in a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the blends containing only nonreactive SEBS exhibited a fine dispersion of core‐shell particles. With decreasing the SEBS/SEBS‐g‐Maleic Anhydride (MAH) weight ratio, the morphology changed from the core‐shell particles to a mixed of core‐shell, rod‐like and individual particles. This variation in phase morphology affected the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends. DSC results showed that the blends containing only nonreactive SEBS exhibited a minimum in degree of crystallinity due to the homogeneous nucleation of core‐shell particles. Mechanical testing showed that in the SEBS/SEBS‐g‐MAH weight ratio of 50/50, the modulus and impact strength increased compared with the PP matrix while the yield stress had minimum difference with that of PP matrix. These effects could be attributed to the formation of those especial microstructures revealed by the SEM studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effects of tetramethylpolycarbonate‐block‐poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) copolymers containing various amounts of acrylonitrile on the interfacial properties of polycarbonate and poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) blends

Tetramethylpolycarbonate‐block‐poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (TMPC‐block‐SAN) block copolymers containing various amounts of acrylonitrile (AN) were examined as compatibilizers for blends of polycarbonate (PC) with poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN) copolymers. 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 fibre retraction technique and an asymmetric double‐cantilever beam fracture test. Reduction in the average diameter of dispersed particles and effective improvement in the interfacial properties was observed by adding TMPC‐block‐SAN copolymers as compatibilizer of PC/SAN blend. TMPC‐block‐SAN copolymer was effective as a compatibilizer when the difference in the AN content of SAN copolymer and that of SAN block in TMPC‐block‐SAN copolymer was less than about 10 wt%. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of the composition of structured rubber particles on the toughness of poly(methylmethacrylate)

Composite natural rubber (NR) and monodisperse poly(n-butylacrylate) (PBuA) based latex particles were tested as possible impact modifiers for a poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. A continuous extrusion process was used for the incorporation of wet latexes directly into a twin-screw extruder. All latexes had been coated by a PMMA shell. Furthermore, polystyrene (PS) subinclusions were introduced into the NR core. The impact resistance of the prepared PMMA blends can be most effectively improved by NR particles containing a large weight fraction of compatibilising PMMA in the shell. The degree of crosslinking of the shell polymer has to be restricted. PBuA based latex particles of 180 nm in size are ineffective to toughen the PMMA matrix. The degree of grafting of the NR phase in core–shell particles containing PS subinclusions is not crucial. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the failure processes in composite rubber particle toughened PMMA blends at fast (impact conditions) and slow (tensile testing) deformation speeds.     

Poly(methyl methacrylate) toughening with refractive index‐controlled core–shell composite particles

Poly(butylacrylate‐co‐styrene)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) core–shell composite particles having different refractive indexes were prepared by a two‐stage consecutive emulsion polymerization. The refractive index of the core phase was controlled by varying the incorporated amount of divinylbenzene (DVB) which acted as a crosslinking agent as well as a refractive index enhancer. The blends of these core–shell composite particles with PMMA showed an impact strength increment of about three times compared with that of the pure PMMA. However, as the amount DVB increased, the impact strength showed a tendency toward decreasing. This was caused by the loss of the elastic property of the core phase. The toughened PMMA blended with core–shell composite particles having the core crosslinked with 1 wt % DVB showed the best transparency. However, the transparency was rather decreased, as the difference of the refractive index between the core phase and the pure PMMA increased. This suggested that in the case of using the core–shell composite particles as a toughening agent for PMMA the matching of the refractive index of the core phase with that of the pure PMMA was one of key factors in maintaining the transparency of the toughened PMMA. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1607–1614, 1999     

Recycling of ABS and ABS/PC blends

The aim of this work within the framework of mechanical recycling of polymers is upgrading recycled engineering plastics by means of a blending technique. Four different plastics from dismantled Volvo cars have been investigated. They are poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS) and ABS‐polycarbonate (ABS/PC) as major components and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polyamide (PA) as minor components. Blending recycled ABS and PC/ABS (70/30) with a small amount of methyl methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene core‐shell impact modifiers gives the mixture better impact properties than any of its individual components. Some 10% of PMMA from tail light housings can follow the PC/ABS blends made. The property profile will rather be improved. However, PA is an incompatible component that should be sorted out from the mixture. Antioxidants and metal deactivators do not help the recyclates show better mechanical properties. Two toughness measurements, Charpy impact strength and J‐integral method, show complimentary results for such blends. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 510–515, 1999     

Blends containing core–shell impact modifiers. Part 3 – Effects of temperature on tensile impact behaviour

Abstract

The performances of two contrasting core–shell impact modifiers, in blends with polycarbonate (PC), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly (styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PSAN), have been evaluated using tensile impact tests at temperatures between -80 and +50°C. In both modifiers, each individual particle has a 10 nm thick outer shell of PMMA, which is grafted to the rubber phase. In the case of modifier PB, the core of the particle is a 200 nm diameter homogeneous sphere of polybutadiene, with a T _g of -86°C. Modifier PBA has a 260 nm core of PMMA, surrounded by a 20 nm inner shell of poly (butyl acrylate-co-styrene), which has a T _g of -17°C. Tensile impact tests show that the T _g of the rubber does not necessarily control the brittle–ductile transition temperature T _BD. Both the PC–PB and PC–PBA blends exhibit some ductility at -80°C, although neither blend is as tough as plain PC at any temperature. The blend of PB with PMMA shows a modest increase in toughness above -40°C and there is a similar but rather larger increase in the toughness of the PMMA–PBA above -20°C. In PSAN blends, the PBA modifier is the more effective toughening agent ahove 0°C. It is concluded that these differences originate from differences in the balance between shear yielding and crazing in the matrix polymer, and in the ability of cavitated rubber particles to prevent crazes from turning into cracks. In PMMA and PSAN blends, the PBA modifier is the more effective toughening agent at 23°C because of its rigid core, which enables stable rubber fibrils both to form and to contribute to local strain hardening, thereby stabilising the yield zone.     

Polycarbonate/acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylic elastomer terpolymer blends with enhanced interfacial adhesion and surface gloss

A blend of bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC) and an acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylic elastomer (ASA) terpolymer with high surface gloss and excellent interfacial properties was developed for automobile applications. Because PC and the styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer that formed the matrix in the PC/ASA blend were not miscible, two different types of compatibilizers were examined to improve the compatibility of the blend. A diblock copolymer composed of tetramethyl polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was more effective than PMMA in increasing interfacial adhesion between PC and SAN. The surface gloss of the PC/ASA blend was always lower than that of the pure ASA included in the blend because of PC existing at the surface of the injection‐molding specimen. The PC/ASA blend with optimum surface gloss and enhanced interfacial adhesion was developed through the control of the molecular weight of PC and the compatibilizer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2097–2104, 2005     

Grafting behavior of n-butyl acrylate onto poly(butadiene-co-styrene) latexes

The radical-induced grafting of n-butyl acrylate (BA) onto poly(butadiene-co-styrene) [(P(Bd-S)] latexes during seeded emulsion polymerization was studied. This P(Bd-S)/PBA rubber/rubber core/shell latex system exhibited unique grafting behavior as compared to other extensively studied rubber/glass core/shell latex systems, such as poly(butadiene-co-styrene)/poly(methyl methacrylate) [P(Bd-S)/PMMA], poly(butadiene-co-styrene)/polystyrene [P(Bd-S)/PS] and poly(butadiene-co-styrene)/poly(acrylonitrile)[P(Bd-S)/PAN]. These composite latexes were characterized by the formation of a highly grafted/crosslinked P(Bd-S)/PBA interphase zone generated during the seeded emulsion polymerization process. Although both of the individual core and shell polymers studied were “soft” themselves, the resulting P(Bd-S)/PBA composite latex particles were found to be rather “hard.” The formation of the interphase zone was studied by using techniques such as solvent extraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65:511–523, 1997     

Preparation of a structured acrylic impact modifier and its application in toughening polyamide 6

A series of poly(n‐butyl acrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid), i.e., poly(BA/MMA‐co‐AA), core‐shell structured modifiers with different contents of crosslinking agent allyl methacrylate and functional monomer were prepared, and its effects on mechanical properties of polyamide 6 (PA 6) blends were investigated. The modifiers were prepared at a solid content of 50 wt% by a seeded emulsion polymerization. Dynamic light scattering measurement showed that the particle grew without significant secondary nucleation occurring. The morphology was confirmed by means of transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of the fractured surfaces. The dynamic mechanical analysis measurements indicated that the appearance of two merged transition peaks and the magnitude of the loss peak of PA 6 matrix with the addition of PBMA core‐shell modifier in the PA 6/PBMA blends were responsible for the improvement of PA 6 toughness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Gloss reduction and morphological properties of polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate‐acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) blends with SAN‐co‐GMA as a reactive compatibilizer

The gloss properties of the polycarbonate (PC)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (MABS) blend with styrene‐acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (SAN‐co‐GMA) as a compatibilizing agent were investigated. For the PC/poly(MABS)/SAN‐co‐GMA (65/15/20, wt %) blend surface, the reduction of gloss level was observed most significantly when the GMA content was 0.1 wt %, compared with the blends with 0.05 wt % GMA or without GMA content. The gloss level of the PC/poly(MABS)/SAN‐co‐GMA (0.1 wt % GMA) blend surface was observed to be 35, which showed 65% lower than the PC/poly(MABS)/SAN‐co‐GMA blend without GMA content. The gloss reduction was most probably caused by the insoluble fractions of the PC/poly(MABS)/SAN‐co‐GMA blend that were formed by the reaction between the carboxylic acid group in poly(MABS) and epoxy group in SAN‐co‐GMA. The results of optical and transmission electron microscope analysis, spectroscopy study, and rheological properties supported the formation of insoluble structure of the PC/poly(MABS)/SAN‐co‐GMA blend when the GMA content was 0.1 wt %. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46450.     

Morphology and rheology relationships of epoxy/core‐shell particle blends

The morphological and rheological behaviors of toughened epoxy resins modified with core‐shell rubber particles (CSR) were studied. These rubber particles were based on a poly (butadiene‐co‐styrene) core and a crosslinked poly (methyl methacrylate) shell. The effect of functionalized groups was performed on two types of CSR particles: first, those containing carboxyl‐functionalized groups (CSf), and second, particles containing no carboxyl‐functionalized groups (CSnf) in the PMMA‐shell. For these blends, the correlations between the morphology, particle dispersion state and their rheological behaviors before curing were investigated. Preliminary work using TEM micrographs indicated that the blends modified with CSf and CSnf exhibited the same particle size but differed with respect to the dispersion state. Rheological behavior of these blends was assessed in steady shear flow and dynamic viscoelastic experiments. Yield viscosity near‐zero shear rate occurred in the DGEBA/CSf blend presenting non‐Newtonian behavior at the particle volume fraction of 20% vol. The rheological behavior was clearly related to the state of particle dispersion and analyzed taking into account interactions between the particles‐particles and the particles‐matrix. The Williams‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) shift procedure was used to construct modulus master curves G′ and G″ from the elastic solid state to molten polymers. A secondary plateau existed at low frequencies and was related to the presence of interactions leading to a physical network‐type structure. The deviation between theoretical G′ (Paleirne's model) and experimental G′ values was evaluated and exhibited high elasticity at the terminal zone, which correlated well with available literature.     

Effect of in situ polymerization conditions of methyl methacrylate on the structural and morphological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylonitrile‐g‐(ethylene‐co‐propylene‐co‐diene)‐g‐styrene) PMMA/AES Blends

In this study, the structural and morphological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylonitrile‐g‐(ethylene‐co‐propylene‐co‐diene‐g‐styrene) (PMMA‐AES) blends were investigated with emphasis on the influence of the in situ polymerization conditions of methyl methacrylate. PMMA‐AES blends were obtained by in situ polymerization, varying the solvent (chloroform or toluene) and polymerization conditions: method A—no stirring and air atmosphere; method B—stirring and N₂ atmosphere. The blends were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results showed that the PMMA‐AES blends are immiscible and present complex morphologies. This morphology shows an elastomeric dispersed phase in a glassy matrix, with inclusion of the matrix in the elastomer domains, suggesting core shell or salami morphology. The occlusion of the glassy phase within the elastomeric domains can be due to the formation of graft copolymer and/or phase inversion during polymerization. However, this morphology is affected by the polymerization conditions (stirring and air or N₂ atmosphere) and by the solvent used. The selective extraction of the blends' components and infrared spectroscopy showed that crosslinked and/or grafting reactions occur on the elastomer chains during MMA polymerization. The glass transition of the elastomer phase is influenced by morphology, crosslinking, and grafting degree and, therefore, T_g depends on the polymerization conditions. On the other hand, the behavior of T_g of the glassy phase with blend composition suggests miscibility or partial miscibility for the SAN phase of AES and PMMA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Preparation of core-shell emulsion polymer and optimization of shell composition with respect to opacity of paint film

A series of core-shell latexes comprising a poly(n-butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PBA/MMA/MAA) core and a poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PS/AN), poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PBA/MMA) shell were prepared at different shell composition ratios. These core-shell binders were used for preparation of decorative coatings. The latexes were synthesized by a semi-continuous sequential emulsion polymerization and characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analyser, viscometry and opacity of paint film. The core-shell emulsion with styrene/acrylonitrile ratio 60/40 as shell composition shows the best optical properties.     

Morphologies of polybutylacrylate/poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) latex prepared by starved emulsion polymerization Part I. Thermodynamics equilibrium morphology

Heterogeneous latexes were prepared by a semicontinuous seeded emulsion polymerization process under monomer starved conditions at 80 °C using potassium persulfate as the initiator and sodium dodecyl sulfate as the emulsifier. Poly(butyl acrylate) latexes were used as seeds. The second‐stage polymer was poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate). By varying the amounts of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the second‐stage copolymer, the polarity of the copolymer phase could be controlled. Phase separation towards the thermodynamic equilibrium morphology was accelerated either by ageing the composite latex at 80 °C or by adding a chain‐transfer agent during polymerization. The morphologies of the latex particles were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology distributions of latex particles were described by a statistical method. It was found that the latex particles displayed different equilibrium morphologies depending on the composition of the second‐stage copolymers. This series of equilibrium morphologies of [poly(butyl acrylate)/poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate)] (PBA/P(St‐co‐MMA)) system provides experimental verification for quantitative simulation. Under limiting conditions, the equilibrium morphologies of PBA/P(St‐co‐MMA) were predicted according to the minimum surface free energy change principle. The particle morphology observed by TEM was in good agreement with the predictions of the thermodynamic model. Therefore, the morphology theory for homopolymer/homopolymer composite systems was extended to homopolymer/copolymer systems. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Eco‐plastics: Morphological and mechanical properties of recycled poly(carbonate)‐crushed rubber (rPC‐CR) blends

Crushed tire rubber particles (CR) have been dispersed into a recycled poly(carbonate) matrix (rPC) to obtain an eco‐friendly plastic (EFP). A positive synergy was expected from the association of an elastomeric phase to a tough thermoplastic matrix, helping on the other hand to develop a plastic with low impact on the environment. Mechanical melt‐mixing alone cannot provide a suitable interface, and led to blends with poor mechanical properties. Consequently, we have investigated different strategies to improve the EFP properties: First, the rubber surface has been treated by flaming or washing with dichloromethane and second, two copolymers, poly(ethylene‐co‐ethyl acrylate‐tert‐hydroxyl methacrylate) (E‐EA‐MAH) and poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate‐ter‐glycidyl methacrylate) (E‐MA‐GMA), were used to compatibilize CR particles with rPC matrix by reactive melt‐mixing in an internal mixer. The resulting blends mechanical properties were studied through static tension experiments and interpreted to the light of electronic microscopy fractography analysis and nanoindentation experiments. Significant gain of mechanical properties can be obtained by decreasing CR size under 140 μm (especially for CR contents between 5 and 20% m/m). To reach similar properties with rubber particles of diameter over 140 μm (but under 350 μm), it is necessary to activate their surface by either dichloromethane washing or flaming. Additional use of a compatibilizer extends the plastic behaviour domain of the EFP. rPC‐20% w/w CR is the best alternative material of our study. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1768–1776, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Studies on blends of LLDPE and polar polymers compatibilized by a random copolymer

Compatibilization of blends of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)–poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and LLDPE–copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 4‐vinylpyridine (poly(MMA‐co‐4VP) with poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (EMAA) have been studied. Mechanical properties of the LLDPE–PMMA blends increase upon addition of EMAA. In order to further improve interfacial adhesion of LLDPE and PMMA, 4‐vinyl pyridine units are introduced into PMMA chains, or poly(MMA‐co‐4VP) is used as the polar polymer. In LLDPE–poly(MMA‐co‐4VP)–EMAA blends, interaction of MAA in EMAA with 4VP of poly(MMA‐co‐4VP) causes a band shift in the infrared (IR) spectra. Chemical shifts of N_1s binding energy in X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS) experiments indicate a transfer of proton from MAA to 4VP. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures show that the morphology of the blends were improved upon addition of EMAA. Nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) fluorescence results attest that there exists interdiffusion of chromophore‐labeled LLDPE chains and chromophore‐labeled poly(MMA‐co‐4VP) chains in the interface. Based on experimental results, the mechanism of compatibilization is studied in detail. Compatibilization is realized through the interaction between MAA in EMAA with 4VP in poly(MMA‐co‐4VP). © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 967–973, 1999     

Mechanical properties and surface morphology of photodegraded polyoxymethylene modified by a core–shell acrylate elastomer with UV stabilization

In order to improve the photostability of polyoxymethylene (POM), a core‐shell acrylate elastomer with UV stabilization, i.e. poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐(butyl acrylate)‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxypropoxy)benzophenone] (core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA)), was added into the POM matrix using a melt‐mixing method. The effect of the modification with core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) on POM was compared with that of poly(MMA‐ co ‐BA‐ co ‐BPMA) copolymer. Scanning electron microscopy, metallographic microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize POM blends before and after UV irradiation, and the mechanical properties of the POM blends were investigated. The results showed that core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) improved well the compatibility with and toughness of the POM matrix, and its light‐stable functional groups could increase the UV resistance of POM blends. During UV aging, the impact strength and elongation at break of POM/core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) blends were retained, the growth rate of surface cracks of POM was inhibited effectively by core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) and the degree of photo‐oxidation of POM blend surfaces was improved to a certain extent. Compared with poly(MMA‐ co ‐BA‐ co ‐BPMA), core‐shell poly(MMA‐BA‐BPMA) had a better UV stabilization effect on the POM matrix. Our results indicate that the core‐shell acrylate elastomer with toughening and UV stabilization functions can significantly improve the long‐term UV stability of POM. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

PBT blends with rigid polymer and elastomer inclusions: the effect of component type and reactivity on mechanical behaviour

The present study shows the potential of the poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) matrix to form ternary blends with well‐balanced properties, analogous to Polyamide 6 (PA6) systems with a very fine (<100 nm) separately dispersed rigid polymer (poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride)) and elastomer (maleated ethylene‐propylene elastomer). The use in PBT blends of maleated components analogous to those in the PA6 systems was much less effective, due to the presence of larger particles. Enhancement of all properties, including toughness, was found in the case of a blend containing at least one component with epoxide groups, such as rigid styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate copolymer or elastomeric poly[(ethylene)‐co‐(methyl acrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate)]. In this case, the reactive compatibilization of the epoxy‐group‐containing component caused refinement of particle size of the other component due to enhanced viscosity. As a result, more advantageous micromechanical behaviour of this ternary in comparison with the binary system occurs. The PBT matrix offers a similar potential to PA6 in synergistic influencing of both well‐dispersed phases. This work supports the universality of rigid polymer‐elastomer combination for the enhancement of the properties of pseudoductile polymers. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry