Effects of composition and temperature on extrudate characteristics, morphology, and tensile properties of acrylic rubber-blended PVC

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 80; no. 13; pp. 2523 - 2534
• Main Authors: Wimolmala, E., Wootthikanokkhan, J., Sombatsompop, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 24.06.2001; Wiley
• Subjects: acrylic rubber; Applied sciences; blend; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical properties; miscibility; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; poly(vinyl chloride); Properties and characterization; toughness; Mixing; Polymer blends; Property composition relationship; Acrylic elastomer; Dispersion degree; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Structure composition relationship; Structure processing relationship; Morphology; Extrusion; Growth from melt; Polyvinyl chloride
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1361

Poly(vinyl chloride) was blended with acrylic rubber over a range of compositions (5–40 wt % of the rubber), using a twin‐screw extruder. Morphological properties of the blends were investigated as a function of rubber content and blending temperature, using a scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the blends were determined by a tensile test. Smooth extrudates were obtained at the blending temperature of 155°C. At a higher blending temperature (195°C), greater die swell ratio and/or melt‐fractured extrudates were observed, depending on the rubber content. Miscible blends were obtained at low rubber contents (5–10 wt %). A dispersed particle morphology was observed from the extrudates containing the rubber content of 20–40 wt %, at 195°C. The ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and modulus of the blends decreased with the rubber content. The maximum tensile toughness was obtained for the blend with a rubber content of 20%, at a blending temperature of 155°C. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2523–2534, 2001