Multiblock terephthalate copolymer as impact modifier for poly(propylene)/poly(butylene terephthalate) blends

The melt polycondensation method was investigated for the synthesis of a mu ltiblock copolymer. The copolymer consisted of hard segments of poly(butyle ne terephthalate) (PBT) and soft segments of dimerised fatty acid. This mul tiblock copolymer was characterised by H-1 and C-13 NMR and FTIR spectrosco pies and differential scanning calorimetry. The 1H NMR method was used for estimating quantitatively the amount of the hard/soft segments. The polymer morphology was characterised using light microscopy and transmission elect ron microscopy. The investigated polymer was used in a small amount as an a dditive to poly(propylene)/PBT blends in order to evaluate its influence on the morphology and impact properties of these blends.