PC/ASA blends having enhanced interfacial and mechanical properties

Abstract

Blend of bisphenol-A polycarbonate (PC) and (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic rubber) terpolymer (ASA) having excellent balance in the interfacial properties and mechanical strength was developed for the automobile applications. Since interfacial adhesion between PC and styrne-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) matrix of ASA is not strong enough, two different types of compatibilizers, i.e, diblock copolymer composed of tetramethyl polycarbonate (TMPQ and SAN (TMPC-b-SAN) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were examined to improve interfacial adhesion between PC and SAN. TMPC-b-SAN was more effective than PMMA in increasing interfacial adhesion between PC and SAN matrix of ASA (or weld-line strength of PC/ASA blend). When blend composition was fixed, PC/ASA blends exhibited similar mechanical properties except impact strength and weld-line strength. Impact strength of PC/ASA blend at low temperature was influenced by rubber particle size and its morphology. PC/ASA blends containing commercially available PMMA as compatibilizer also exhibited excellent balance in mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion.