Core-shell elastomer

MBS (methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene) graft copolymers are known as one of the most efficient non-reactive impact modifiers for PET and also poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). MBS is used commercially as an effective impact modifier for PET recyclate [27], Typical MBS mbber particles contain an elastomeric core of 

EMA (cthylcnc-mcthyl acrylate copolymer) Optema EMA Atofina Exxon-Mobil 

EEA (ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer) Lotryl EEA Union Carbide 

EBA (ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymer) Lotryl Atofina 

MBS (poly(methyl methacrylate)-g-poly(butadiene/styrene) graft copolymer) Paraloid EXL Rohm Haas 

---

The blends (PET plus core-shell elastomers) were compounded using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The contains of particules ranged from 7 to 21 % in mass. Test bars were injection moulded in a second step. In order to produce compound of different levels of crystallisation, the mould wall temperature was varied. Truly amorphous mouldings could not be obtained. However, for mould temperature of 5°C only a small amount (less than 8 %) of crystalline phase was observed. These mouldings will be considered as amorphous, since their continuous phase is amorphous. Conversely, a wall temperature of 145°C made it possible to reach the maximum level of crystallisation (approximately 30 % in mass). Finally, no evidence for a significant crosslinking effect due to reactive nodules was found. 

PA-66 (70-50) / PBT (30-50) / mutifunctional epoxide resin (0-5 phr) PA-6 (17) / PBT (83) / mutifunctional epoxide resin (0-12) TSE at 275X / SEM / TEM / extrudate swell / DSC / torque rheometry / capillary rheometry / effects of PA/PBT ratio and epoxy content on mechanical properties / blends optionally + core-shell elastomer TSE at 230-250°C / mechanical properties / SEM / DSC / DMA / WAXD Huang and Chang, 1997 a, b An etal., 1996... 

Figure 15.16 Morphology of PET/PC/MBS core-shell elastomer (40/40/20) blends - TEM RuO stain 15000X [Akkapeddi et al., 1993],...

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), 9 565-566, 24 695-720 applications for, 24 709-717 based on block copolymers, 24 697t based on graft copolymers, ionomers, and structures with core-shell morphologies, 24 699 based on hard polymer/elastomer combinations, 24 699t based on silicone rubber blends, 24 700 commercial production of, 24 705-708 economic aspects of, 24 708-709 elastomer phase in, 24 703 glass-transition and crystal melting temperatures of, 24 702t hard phase in, 24 703-704 health and safety factors related to, 24 717-718... 

Core-shell polymers were commercially introduced as impact modifiers for poly(vinyl chloride) PVC, in the 1960s. They are produced by a two-stage latex emulsion polymerization technique (Cruz-Ramos, 2000). The core is a graftable elastomeric material, usually crosslinked, that is insoluble in the thermoset precursors. Typical elastomers used for these purposes are crosslinked poly(butadiene), random copolymers of styrene and butadiene,... 

Composition (type of polymeric components). The base polymer (which is to be modified) may be an amorphous polymer [e.g., polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polycarbonate, or poly(vinyl chloride)], a semicrystalline polymer [e.g., polyamide (PA) or polypropylene (PP)], or a thermoset resin (e.g., epoxy resin). The modifier may be a rubber-like elastomer (e.g., polybutadiene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer, or ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer), a core-shell modifier, or another polymer. Even smaller amounts of a compatibilizer, such as a copolymer, are sometimes added as a third component to control the morphology. 

Interesting blends, having a broad range of properties, were prepared in two steps 1. BR was grafted and crosslinked with either styrene or methylmethacrylate to produce a core-shell copolymer. 2. Next, it was blended with PO for improved processability, impact resistance, rigidity, etc. [Aoyama et al., 1993, 1994]. Structural blends of styrene-grafted PP with either SBR, SBS, or an acrylic elastomer were developed [DeNicola andConboy, 1994]. 

PPS/PPE/core-shell graft copolymer toughened by silicone elastomer particles Sasaki ci a/., 1989... 

The rubber domains are found to exist as core-shell structures at all concentration levels of all three elastomers (Figure 2). 

Acrylic copolymers (i.e., core-shell impact modifiers with a shell of PMMA and a core of butyl acrylate elastomer) have been developed mainly for impact modification of PVC for outdoor applications. Butadiene-styrene copolymers are used exclusively for PVC, PC or styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN). Thermoplastic elastomers in the form of styrenic copolymers, e.g., SBS, are used preferably for styrenics and PA. Polyolefins, like EVA, are used for impact modification of technical polymers. 

The most common POM blends are homologous mixtures of POMs having different molecular structures (linear, branched, cross-linked) (Matsuzaki 1991), different molecular weights (Ishida and Sato 1970), or with different end groups (Nagasaki et al. 1991 Hanezawa and Ono 1991). On the secmid place are blends of POM with TPU, preferably polyester type. POMs are also blended with core-shell acrylic elastomers, MBS or MBA. Commercial blends of POM with PEST are available. To improve weatherability of POM, the resin was blended with PMMA and a fluoropolymer (viz. PTFE, PVF, PVDF) (Katsumata 1991). 

---