Rubbery phase, toughened plastic dispersion

Assessment of Particle Size Distribution and Spatial Dispersion of Rubbery Phase in a Toughened Plastic... 

Multiphase polymers are commonly toughened plastics which contain a soft, elastomeric or rubbery component in a hard glassy matrix or in a thermoplastic matrix. An example of the typical brittle fracture morphology of an unmodified thermoplastic is shown by SEM of nylon (Fig. 5.45A). Addition of an elastomeric phase modifies the brittle fracture behavior of the matrix, as shown in a fracture surface of a modified nylon (Fig. 5.45B). The modification depends on the composition and deformation mechanism of the material [204, 215], but normally it increases the fracture toughness and strength from that of the unmodified matrix resin. Impact strength, as measured for instance by an Izod impact testing apparatus, is affected by the dispersed phase... 

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