INFLUENCE OF THE MICROSTRUCTURAL MORPHOLOGY ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF HIGH-IMPACT POLYSTYRENE

The stress-strain and dynamic mechanical curves and impact strength of different high-impact polystyrenes (HIPS) have been studied as a func tion of their microstructure. We have found that the values of the You ng and dynamic moduli are very similar since damping of these material s is minor at room temperature. Also, we have found that both moduli d epend on particle volume fraction. The impact strength improves to a l arger extent with the incorporation of polybutadiene into polystyrene. However, this improvement depends also on the morphology of the mater ial. The impact strength is affected largely by the rubber particle si ze, We have found that the impact energy absorbed is proportional to t he ligament area.