Influence of calcium carbonate filler and mixing type process on structure and properties of styrene–acrylonitrile/ethylene–propylene–diene polymer blends

The properties of styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) and ethylene–propylene–diene (EPDM) blends containing different types of calcium carbonate filler were studied. The influence of mixing type process on the blend properties was also studied. Two different mixing processes were used. The first one includes mixing of all components together. The other process is a two‐step mixing procedure: masterbatch (MB; EPDM/SAN/filler blend) was prepared and then it was mixed with previously prepared polymer blend. Surface energy of samples was determined to predict the strength of interactions between polymer blend components and used fillers. The phase morphology of blends and their thermal and mechanical properties were studied. From the results, it can be concluded that the type of mixing process has a strong influence on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of blends. The two‐step mixing process causes better dispersion of fillers in blends as well as better dispersion of EPDM in SAN matrix, and therefore, the finest morphology and improved properties are observed in blends with MB. It can be concluded that the type of mixing process and carefully chosen compatibilizer are the important factors for obtaining the improved compatibility of SAN/EPDM blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012