AbstractThe modification of porous suspension-type polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles by an in-situ stabilizer-free polymerization/crosslinking of a monomer solution absorbed within the PVC particles is presented. The modifying polymers are polybutyl acrylate (PBA) and polyethylhexyl acrylate (PEHA) crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The effect of the unique blending procedure on the physical and mechanical properties of PVC has been investigated. The modified PVC characterizations includes polymerization yield, transparency, fracture surface morphology, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties, tensile properties, impact resistance and melt rheology. The polymer chains formed are dispersed as a separate phase as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and two separate glass transitions are observed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) system, typical of immiscible polymer blends. Mechanical properties of PVC/PEHA blends reveal a substantial increase in impact strength particularly when the blend is crosslinked; however, there is a decrease in the yield stress and elastic modulus. A shift from brittle failure to ductility has been observed in blends of PVC on incorporation of PEHA. SEM studies have been carried out to support these observations.
