The physical and mechanical properties together with the morphology of the blends of PVC with poly (ethylene-co-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) [EDAM] had been studied. Blends were prepared in a laboratory internal mixer by melt mixing.
From the dynamic mechanical characterization of PVC/EDAM blends, it was observed that EDAM was lightly compatible with PVC due to the specific interaction of PVC with the tertiary amine in the EDAM.
Measurement of the tensile stress-strain behavior and of Izod notched impact strength had been carried out for a series of PVC/EDAM blends in the composition range of 0% to 15wt% of EDAM. Improved toughness and impact strength were observed mostly when the EDAM was blended with PVC to the extent of 10wt%.
A phase inversion occurred at about 10-12wt% EDAM in the blends. PVC/EDAM/PE Ternary blends were also prepared. The tensile test and impact test revealed that EDAM acted as a compatibilizer for PVC/PE system. It was also found that addition of a small amount of PE In PVC/EDAM blend made a improvement in toughtness of a mixture.
SEM photomicrographs of the fractured surface of a PVC/EDAM blend showed that the domain size ranged from 0.1 to 1μm.
