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Compatibilizing effect of functionalized polystyrene blends: a study of morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties
Author(s) -
Shabbir Saima,
Zulfiqar Sonia,
Lieberwirth Ingo,
Kausar Ayesha,
Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.2788
Subject(s) - polystyrene , materials science , compatibilization , morphology (biology) , thermal stability , natural rubber , polymer blend , polymer , phase (matter) , amorphous solid , composite material , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , yield (engineering) , copolymer , chemistry , organic chemistry , biology , engineering , genetics
Polystyrene (PS), being an amorphous polymer is immiscible with other polymers. To engender miscible blends, PS has been functionalized with an active amino‐functional group on the molecular chains of PS to yield amino‐substituted polystyrene (APS), which serves as a reactive compatibilizer. The compatibilization effect of amino functionalized polystyrene on the rubber toughening was explored and results were compared in terms of morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of PS/SEBS‐g‐MA versus APS/SEBS‐g‐MA blends. In addition, the effect of rubber content on the blend morphology and mechanical properties were investigated. An appreciable change in the thermal stability of APS blends in comparison with PS blend has been probed. A marked correlation has been observed between phase morphology and thermal stability. Use of APS produced the compatibilized blends which render improved blend morphology, enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. Optimal thermal, morphological and mechanical profiles were depicted by 20‐wt% APS blend. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.