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Polystyrene/polyethylene terephthalate/polystyrene‐block–polycaprolactone blends: Emulsification and mechanical performance
Author(s) -
Mckay Ian D.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1991.070430902
Subject(s) - materials science , polystyrene , polycaprolactone , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , polyethylene terephthalate , copolymer , polymer blend , scanning electron microscope , extrusion , polyethylene , izod impact strength test , polymer , ultimate tensile strength , polymer chemistry , physics , thermodynamics
A polystyrene‐polycaprolactone diblock copolymer was extrusion blended with polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate. The morphologies of the resultant blends were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. In all compositions studied, the polystyrene and polyethylene terephthalate phases exhibited discrete glass transitions indicative of the immiscibility of these components. However, addition of the copolymer increased the extent of dispersion of the homopolymer components within one another quite effectively. Blend specimens were tested with respect to tensile, flexural, impact, and thermal performance characteristics to study the effects of morphology and composition on these factors. In general, the blends were rigid, brittle materials with some‐what enhanced thermal characteristics. Addition of polystyrene‐block‐polycaprolactone polymer to the blends resulted in increased brittleness, slightly reduced thermal performance, and, in some instances, greatly increased rigidity.