Impact modifiers morphological features

Mechanical properties of rubber-modified epoxy resins depend on the extent of mbber-phase separation and on the morphological features of the mbber phase. Dissolved mbber causes plastic deformation and necking at low strains, but does not result in impact toughening. The presence of mbber particles is a necessary but not sufficient condition for achieving impact resistance. Optimum properties are obtained with materials comprising both dissolved and phase-separated mbber (305). 

Pyrolysis techniques are particularly suited for the more difficult polymer/additive analysis problems on account of intricate architecture and morphological features, e.g. in case of (i) polymer-bound additive functionalities (AOs, FRs) (ii) impact modifiers such as terpolymers (e.g. styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene), graft polymers (e.g. EPM-g-PBT) and an internal rubbery phase in core/shell polymers (e.g. acrylate-based cross-linked polymer) [527] and (Hi) interfacial agents (e.g. graft copolymers, sizings). 

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