Abstract
We report a new method of preparation of poly (butyl acrylate)-g-polystyrene/polystyrene blends by free-radical polymerization. Copolymerization of glycidyl (meth)acrylate with butyl acrylate is followed by a polymer analogous reaction of this copolymer with acrylic acid and subsequent copolymerization of the modified backbone with styrene. Investigation on the number of reactive groups per backbone chain and its molecular weight allows grafting efficiencies of about 35% to be reached, as well as low cross-linking. Blends of nanophase-separated copolymers having a backbone with Mn of around 50 kg/mol and 4 reactive groups per chain are transparent, with haze as low as 14%, tensile strength of around 22 MPa, and elongations at the break of around 3%. Correlation between morphology determined by transmission electron microscopy and properties of the blend is established.
Highlights
Copolymer molecules are known to self-assemble into a variety of ordered structures in the melt and solid state by a process called micro- or nanophase separation
We report a new method of preparation of poly-g-polystyrene/polystyrene blends by free-radical polymerization
Copolymerization of glycidylacrylate with butyl acrylate is followed by a polymer analogous reaction of this copolymer with acrylic acid and subsequent copolymerization of the modified backbone with styrene
Summary
Copolymer molecules are known to self-assemble into a variety of ordered structures in the melt and solid state by a process called micro- or nanophase separation. These micro- or nanophase-separated structures endow these copolymers with outstanding mechanical (stiffness, strength, toughness, etc.). Combining the properties of antagonist polymers, the new material acquires new properties and applications, as for example, styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers. These types of copolymers can be used for food packaging or medical devices due to their high flexibility, impact strength, and transparency [3]. Use in biomedical application has been reported recently [4,5,6]
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