The morphology, physical, and mechanical properties of the blends of PVC and methyl methacrylate - butadiene - styrene copolymer [MBS] was studied. Blends were prepared using a laboratory roll mill by melt mixing.
Transmission Electron microphotographs[TEM] of the PVC/MBS blends showed heterogeneous morphology with continuous PVC matrix and dispersed rubber domains. The rubber domains size ranged from 0.01㎛ to 0.5㎛.
Measurement of the tensile stress-strain behavior and of Izod notched impact strength was carried out for a series of PVC/MBS blends and the effect of the molecular weight of PVC and the composition (o to 15wt.%) was analyzed.
Maximum toughness and impact strength were obtained mostly when the MBS content in PVC was about 10wt.%.
Phase inversion was not observed the 0 to 15wt.% range of MBS content.
From the dynamic mechanical characterization of PVC/MBS blends, it was observed that MBS was compatible with PVC and the glass transition temperature of PVC was shifted to lower temperature when blended with MBS.
