The performance of the designed structured core/shell latex particles
in toughening polycarbonate (PC) matrix was examined. The influence of
parameters related to the core/shell latex particles on toughening PC
such as: the particle size and levels of crosslinking of the core rub
ber particles, composition and molecular-weight of the shell polymer,
the weight ratio of shell and core polymers as well as the particle mo
rphology was evaluated. Core/shell structured latex particles with thi
nner shells of higher molecular-weight polymers were found to improve
the impact resistance of PC. The role of chain entanglements in increa
sed adhesion between the discrete rubbery phase and the continuous gla
ss matrix are discussed.