Effect of Compatibilizer on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of SAN/EPDM Blends

Abstract

Miscibility of styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) blends containing high impact polystyrene (HIPS) as a compatibilizer were studied. Blends were characterized by determination of mechanical properties, glass transition temperatures and their morphology was inspected by scanning electronic microscopy. Blends were separated into components to clarify the effects of the extrusion process and the obtained components were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and by gel permeation chromatography. It was observed that significant fraction of in situ formed graft copolymer is formed during extrusion, which contributes to the homogeneity of the studied systems. The results show finer morphology and size reduction of the dispersed phase due to enhanced interface adhesion in compatibilized blends, with enhanced mechanical properties.