Phase Morphology, Thermal, Thermomechanical and Interfacial Properties of PP/SAN/SBS Blend Systems

ABSTRACT

The effect of styrene–butadiene–styrene content on morphology, melting, crystallinity, dynamic mechanical properties and relaxation processes of polypropylene/poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)/styrene–butadiene–styrene blends was investigated. Styrene–butadiene–styrene reduced the average size of dispersed particles and generated complex aggregates in the matrix. Morphology development examined by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed increased damping of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) domains at high styrene–butadiene–styrene contents. All blends showed reduced crystallinity and melting point compared with neat polypropylene. Poorer nucleation effect of dispersed particles at high styrene–butadiene–styrene loadings was observed. Compatibilization accelerated the form relaxation of dispersed particles. Additional relaxation process probably due to styrene–butadiene–styrene chains was observed in blends containing 10% and higher styrene–butadiene–styrene content.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Blend
• interfacial tension
• morphology
• poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)
• polypropylene
• relaxation