SB‐S Core‐Shell Particles in Semicontinuous Seeded Emulsion Polymerization and their use as Impact Modifier

Abstract

SummaryThe impact resistance of polymeric materials can be modified by the addition of polymer particles with core shell structure, in which the core consists of a rubber phase and the shell of a glassy phase. In this work, the synthesis of core‐shell particles (polybutadiene‐rich phase / polystyrene rich phase) by emulsion polymerization and their use as impact modifiers in crystal polystyrene, PS, was investigated. Reactions were followed by gravimetry and dynamic light scattering analysis and core‐shell morphology was determined by transmission electron microscopy. This latex, after dried, was incorporated into a PS matrix in a single screw extruder. The impact resistance increased with the incorporation of the core‐shell particles and with the number of passes through the extruder.