The Effect of Modifying Polybutylene Terephthalate on its Processability and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The effect of a modifying additive – a polybutylenetetramethylene oxide (PBT-PTMO) block copolymer of grade V-1000 – on the processability and mechanical properties of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was investigated. It was shown that the mixing of the thermoplastic elastomer – the block copolymer of grade V-1000 – with the rigid, hard, but relatively brittle structural material PBT makes it possible to produce materials with a high level of properties. The modification of PBT with the block copolymer leads to an increase in its impact strength without any perceptible loss in tensile strength. Furthermore, the addition of a small amount of block copolymer to PBT improves its processability. The developed PBT composite with the optimum content of modifying additive and fireproofing agent is recommended for the manufacture of moulded articles of decorative-structural designation, and also for the partial replacement of polyamides PA-12L and PA-610L.