ISSN:
0025-116X
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Physics
Notes:
Copolymers of styrene and ortho-vinylbenzaldehyde (o-VBA) are useful precursors to multicomponent polymer systems. Graft copolymers of poly(styrene-stat-o-VBA) can be produced by free-radical chain transfer to methyl methacrylate monomer to yield materials that display some potential as interfacial agents with binary blends of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate). Significant improvements in ultimate tensile strengths and energy to rupture values have been witnessed for polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) mixtures that contain various levels of the graft component. Scanning electron microscopy of representative fracture surfaces demonstrate a decrease in the particle size of the dispersed phase; it is suggested that this morphological factor contributes to the superior mechanical properties of these composites. In this regard, both the isolated and the crude graft copolymers are able to compatibilize, and thereby enhance, the material properties of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends.
Additional Material:
8 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/macp.1989.021901213
