The Effective Use of Rubbers as Toughening Agents for Plastics

Abstract

Rubber toughening is a very actively develop ing field, and there is ample scope for further advances. Some polymers have not yet been successfully toughened, and current toughened grades suffer from a number of drawbacks, particularly in relation to oxidation resistance and crack arrest capabilities. A clearer definition of objectives in terms of fracture mechanics and yield characteristics is desirable as a guide to the polymer chemist.