Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Relationship among microstructure, linear viscoelastic behavior and mechanical properties of SBS triblock copolymer-compatibilized PP/SAN blend

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Polymer Bulletin Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Morphological, rheological and mechanical properties of the polypropylene (PP) and poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) blend containing poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) triblock copolymer (ranging from 0 to 20 wt%) were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), small amplitude oscillatory shear analysis, and both tensile and impact tests, respectively. SEM observations showed that SBS reduced the diameter of the SAN dispersed particles as well as improved the adhesion between the matrix and the dispersed phase. Close examination of SEM micrographs further revealed that the dispersed phase domains were complex aggregates of SAN particles enveloped and joined together with the SBS compatibilizer in the PP matrix. The variation of the dynamic rheological parameters, including dynamic moduli (G′ and G″), complex viscosity (\( \eta^{ * } \)), loss factor (tan δ), together with Cole–Cole diagrams, with blend composition particularly at low frequency regions were determined to evaluate the interfacial activity of SBS copolymer. A specific viscoelastic phenomenon, i.e., “the second plateau”, appeared at low frequencies for PP/SAN blend containing 20 wt% of SBS and exhibited a certain dependence on the SBS amount and dispersion state in the matrix. This phenomenon was attributed to the formation of aggregate structure between SAN particles and SBS triblock copolymer. Finally, the results of uniaxial tensile and Charpy impact tests conducted on both unnotched and notched specimens indicated that in PP/SAN blend, SBS functions as both compatibilizer and toughening agent.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Utracki LA (1990) Polymer alloys and blends: thermodynamics and rheology. Hanser, Munuch

    Google Scholar 

  2. Han CD (1981) Multiphase flow in polymer processing. Academic Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  3. Li J, Favis BD (2001) Characterizing co-continuous high density polyethylene/polystyrene blend. Polymer 42:5047

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Kim TY, Kim DM, Kim WJ, Lee TH, Suh KS (2004) Effects of poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] on the charge distributions of low-density polyethylene/polystyrene blends. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 42:2813

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Macaubas PHP, Demarquette NR (2001) Morphologies and interfacial tensions of immiscible polypropylene/polystyrene blends modified with triblock copolymers. Polymer 42:2543–2554

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Razavi Aghjeh MK, Khodabandelou M, Khezrefaridi M (2009) Rheology and morphology of high impact polystyrene/polyethylene blends and the effect of compatibilization on their properties. J Appl Polym Sci 114:2235–2245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Favis BD, Willis JM (1990) Phase size/composition dependence in immiscible blends: experimental and theoretical considerations. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 28:2259–2269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Bureau MN, Elkadi H, Denault J, Dickson JI (1997) Injection and compression molding of polystyrene/high-density polyethylene blends—phase morphology and tensile behavior. Polym Eng Sci 37:377

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Dai S, Ye L, Hu G (2010) Preparation and properties of PP/PC/POE blends. Polym Adv Technol 21:279–289

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Xue C-H, Wang D, Xiang B, Chiou B-S, Sun G (2011) Morphological development of polypropylene in immiscible blends with cellulose acetate butyrate. J Polym Res 18:1947–1953

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Bonner JG, Hope PS (1993) In: Folkes MJ, Hope PS (eds) Polymer blends and alloys. Blackie, London, pp 46–75 (chap. 3)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  12. Utracki LA (1995) History of commercial polymer alloys and blends (from a perspective of the patent literature). Polym Eng Sci 35(1):2–17

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Van Hemelrijck E, Van Puyvelde P, Velankar S, Macosko CW, Moldenaers P (2004) Interfacial elasticity and coalescence suppression in compatibilized polymer blends. J Rheol 48:143–159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Van Hemelrijck E, Van Puyvelde P, Velankar S, Macosko CW, Moldenaers P (2005) The effect of block copolymer architecture on the coalescence and interfacial elasticity in compatibilized polymer blends. J Rheol 49:783–798

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Utracki LA, Dumoulin MM (1995) Chapter 3. In: Karger-Kocsis J (ed) Polypropylene: structure, blends and composites, vol 2. Chapman and Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  16. Santana OO, Muller AJ (1994) Homogeneous nucleation of the dispersed crystallisable component of immiscible polymer blends. Polym Bull 32:471

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Appleby T, Czer F, Moad G, Rizzardo E, Stavropoulos C (1994) Compatibilisation of polystyrene-polyolefin blends. Polym Bull 32:479

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Hlavata D, Horak Z, Fort V (1996) Localization of styrene-butadiene block copolymers in polystyrene/polypropylene blends. Polym Net Blen 6:15–20

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Hlavata D, Horak Z (1999) Compatabilization of polystyrene/polypropylene blends by styrene–butadiene block copolymers with differing polystyrene block lengths. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 37(14):1647–1656

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Hlavata D, Horak Z (2001) Compatibilization efficiency of styrene–butadiene multiblock copolymers in PS/PP blends. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39:931–942

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Fortelny I, Michalkova′ D (1997) Effect of compatibilizer admixture, mixing conditions, and temperature on the development of the phase structure in polypropylene/polystyrene blends. Polym Net Blen 7:125–131

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Radonjic G, Musil V, Smit I (1998) Compatibilization of polypropylene/polystyrene blends with poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) block copolymer. J Appl Polym Sci 69(13):2625

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Wang Y, Xiao Y, Zhang Q, Gao X, Fu Q (2003) The morphology and mechanical properties of dynamic packing injection molded PP/PS blends. Polymer 44:1469–1480

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Kum CK, Sung YT, Kim YS, Lee HG, Kim WN, Lee HS, Yoon HG (2007) Effects of compatibilizer on mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of polypropylene/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) blends. Macromol Res 15:308

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Lee HG, Sung Y, Lee YK, Kim WN (2009) Effects of PP-g-MAH on the mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of polypropylene and poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) blends. Macromol Res 17(6):417–423

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Shahbazi Kh, Razavi Aghjeh MK, Abbasi F, Partovi Meran M, Mehrabi Mazidi M (2012) Rheology, morphology and tensile properties of reactive compatibilized polyethylene/polystyrene blends via Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Polym Bull 69:241–259

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Zhu L, Xu X, Sheng J (2011) The effect of stretching on the morphological structures and mechanical properties of polypropylene and poly(ethylene-co-octene) blends. J Polym Res 18:2469–2475

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Hammani S, Moulai-Mostefa N, Benyahia L, Tassin JF (2012) Effects of composition and extrusion parameters on the morphological development and rheological properties of PP/PC blends. Co-continuity investigation. J Polym Res 19:9940

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Sung YT, Han MS, Hyun JC, Kim WN, Lee HS (2003) Rheological properties and interfacial tension of polypropylene–poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) blend containing compatibilizer. Polymer 44:1681

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Brahimi B, Ait-Kadi AA, Jerome R, Fayt R (1991) Rheological properties of copolymer modified polyethylene/polystyrene blends. J Rheol 35(6):1069–1091

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Graebling D, Muller R (1991) Determination of interfacial tension of polymer melts by dynamic shear measurements. Colloids Surf 55:89–103

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Graebling D, Muller R, Palierne JF (1993) Linear viscoelastic behavior of some incompatible polymer blends in the melt. Interpretation of data with a model of emulsion of viscoelastic liquids. Macromolecules 26:320–329

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Bousmina M, Bataille P, Sapieha S, Schreiber HP (1995) Comparing the effect of corona treatment and block copolymer addition on theological properties of polystyrene/polyethylene blends. J Rheol 39(3):499–517

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Lacroix C, Aressy M, Carreau PJ (1997) Linear viscoelastic behavior of molten polymer blends: a comparative study of the Palierne and Lee and Park models. Rheol Acta 36:416–428

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Yee M, Calvão PS, Demarquette NR (2007) Rheological behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene (PMMA/PS) blends with the addition of PMMA-ran-PS. Rheol Acta 46:653–664

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Takahashi M, Li L, Masuda T (1989) Nonlinear viscoelasticity of ABS polymers in the molten state. J Rheol 33:709

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Wu G, Song YH, Zheng Q, Du M, Zhang PJ (2003) Dynamic rheological properties for HDPE/CB composite melts. J Appl Polym Sci 88:2160

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Guo Z, Tong L, Fang Z (2005) In situ compatibilization of polystyrene/polyolefin elastomer blends by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. Polym Int 54:1647–1652

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Zheng Q, Zhang XW, Pan Y, Yi XS (2002) Polystyrene/Sn–Pb alloy blends. I. Dynamic rheological behavior. J Appl Polym Sci 86:3166

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Wu D, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou W (2008) Phase behavior and its viscoelastic response of polylactide/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend. Eur Polym J 44:2171–2183

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Ezzati P, Ghasemi I, Karrabi M, Azizi H (2008) Rheological behaviour of PP/EPDM blend: the effect of compatibilization. Iran Polym J 17:265–272

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Marcilla A, Garcia-Quesada JC, Lopez M, Gil E (2009) Study of the behavior of blends of a poly(hydroxybutyrate-valerate) copolymer, polypropylene, and SEBS. J Appl Polym Sci 113:3187–3195

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer, Darab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Darab, Iran

    G. Basseri

  2. Polymer Engineering Department, Institute of Polymeric Materials, Sahand University of Technology, Sahand New Town, Tabriz, Iran

    M. Mehrabi Mazidi & M. K. Razavi Aghjeh

  3. Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

    F. Hosseini

Authors
  1. G. Basseri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Mehrabi Mazidi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. F. Hosseini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. K. Razavi Aghjeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Mehrabi Mazidi.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Basseri, G., Mehrabi Mazidi, M., Hosseini, F. et al. Relationship among microstructure, linear viscoelastic behavior and mechanical properties of SBS triblock copolymer-compatibilized PP/SAN blend. Polym. Bull. 71, 465–486 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-1071-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-013-1071-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation