The effects of blend composition, melt viscosity of poly(acrylonitrile
-butadiene-styrene) (ABS), and compatibilizing effect of poly(methyl m
ethacrylate) (PMMA) on mechanical properties of ABS/polycarbonate (PC)
blends at ABS-rich compositions were studied. As the content of PC wa
s increased, impact strength and Vicat softening temperature (VST) wer
e increased. As the melt viscosity of ABS was increased near to that o
f PC, finer distribution of dispersed PC phase and consequent enhanced
impact strength and VST were observed. The compatibilizing effect of
PMMA can be ascertained from the enhanced properties of 1/4-inch notch
impact strength, VST, tensile strength, and the morphology observed b
y a scanning electron microscope. The improved adhesion of the ABS/PC
interface by PMMA changed the fracture mechanism and reduced the notch
sensitivity of blends. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.