Investigation on multiphase polymeric systems of poly(vinyl chloride). I. PVC–chlororubber-20-gp-styrene–acrylonitrile (2 : 1) blends

A graft copolymer [chlororubber-20-gp-styrene–acrylonitrile (2 : 1)] has been synthesized by a solution precipitation polymerization technique grafting styrene and acrylonitrile onto chlororubber-20 main chain. The graft copolymer has been characterised by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and viscometry. It has been blended with PVC by melt mixing using a Brabender plasticorder and extrusiograph. The mechanical properties such as flexural and tensile strengths and impact strength of the blends have been studied to evaluate its performance as an impact modifier. The behavior of PVC–chlororubber-20-gp–styrene-acrylonitrile (2 : 1) blends has also been compared with PVC–chlororubber-20 and PVC–KM-365B (a commercial acrylate modifier) blends. The thermal behavior of these blends has also been studied. It has been found that PVC–chlororubber-20-gp-styrene–acrylonitrile (2 : 1) blends have higher impact strength than PVC–chlororubber-20-gp blends though the PVC–KM-365B blends have the highest impact strength. Based on the authors' previous compatibility studies along with present X-ray diffraction studies and the morphological investigation of the fractured surface by scanning electron microscopy, the mechanical behavior of these blends have been explained in the framework of existing theories. A model has been proposed to account for the optimum dispersion and adhesion of graft polyblends of chlororubber-20 in PVC matrix.