Dynamic Rheological Behavior, Processability and Mechanical Properties of PVC/Butyl Acrylate-grafted-Methyl Methacrylate/Styrene Blends

Abstract

Core-shell structured grafted copolymer particles of butyl acrylate (BA) grafted methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) monomers (ACR-g-St) were prepared by seed emulsion polymerization. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/ACR-g-St blends were proposed. The fusion properties, dynamic mechanical behavior, rheological behavior, mechanical properties and morphology of blends were characterized by a torque rheometer, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), rotational rheometer, universal mechanical testing machine and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the ACR-g-St particles accelerated the fusion of PVC resins, but the equilibrium torque increased slightly. The storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and complex viscosity (η * ) of melts exhibited a monotonic changing with frequency and all had minimum values when ACR-g-St content was 16 phr. The tensile and impact strength were highest at 8 phr content of ACR-g-St. ACR-g-St not only can be used as an efficient impact aid but also plays a role of lubricant, which is helpful for PVC processing.