Novel Styrenic Thermoplastic Elastomers from Blends with Special Reference to Compatibilization and Dynamic Vulcanization

Abstract

Abstract A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a rubbery material with final properties and functional performance similar to those of a conventional vulcanized rubber at ambient temperature, yet it can be processed in a molten condition as a thermoplastic polymer at elevated temperature. The main objectives of the present investigation are: to prepare novel styrenic-based thermoplastic elastomers based on blends of a thermoplastic (polystyrene or styrene acrylonitrile) with a rubber (styrene butadiene or ethylene vinylacetate) and to investigate the interaction between various polymers with special reference to compatibilization via oxazoline-modified polystyrene or oxazoline-modified styrene acrylonitrile and dynamic vulcanization. Styrene acrylonitrile/ethylene vinylacetate blends are found to exhibit better overall properties, especially tensile strength, elongation at break and tension set. The solubility or interaction parameter and the morphology of the blends are the key parameters, which basically govern the final properties of blends. Physical properties of these blends have been correlated with the interaction parameter and final morphology.