Synthesis of a graft copolymer from an ozonized polycarbonate and its application as a compatibilizer

The polycarbonate (PC)/polystyrene (PS) blend is an immiscible system. The use of copolymers as compatibilizers in blends is one approach that is being developed within the larger field of polymer alloys. In this study, PC was ozonized to create peroxides and hydroperoxides on the polymer chain. These functional groups under heating conditions were used to initiate the radical polymerization of styrene (vinyl monomers) to give graft copolymers. The first part of this study was dedicated to the examination of the kinetics of the styrene polymerization initiated by an ozonized PC. However, the structure of the graft copolymers was confirmed by IR spectroscopy, and the molecular weight of the PS graft chain was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The compatibilized bends were prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. The morphologies of the PC/PS/graft copolymer blend were examined by transmission electron microscopy and were finer than those of an uncompatibilized blend. The tensile properties of these blends were also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013