Transparent barrier resins with high nitrile content

The effect of 30–49 wt-% nitrile group content on the properties of copolymers is demonstrated. The nitrile is furnished by either acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile. The exceptional resistance of such high nitrile content resins to the passage of gases and of solvents is shown and variations therein demonstrated for different comonomers. Transparent, tough, grafted polymers of good color are described which retain these properties. These qualities, combined with low second-order transition temperatures and adequate heat deflection temperatures, provide polymers of interest wherever containment and barrier are desired. Bottles, thermoformed containers, etc., could benefit from the use of some of the polymers described.