Impact-modified poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) blends containing both oxazoline-functionalized poly(ethene-co-1-octene) elastomers and poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) as compatibilizer

Blends of a poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN) with poly(ethene-co-1-octe ne) rubber (EOR) were investigated. An improved toughness-stiffness balance was obtained when adding as a compatibilizer a blend consisting of oxazoli ne-functionalized EOR, prepared by grafting EOR with oxazoline-functional m aleinate, and paly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA), which is miscible wi th SAN. Enhanced interfacial adhesion was evidenced by the improved dispers ion of the EOR in the SAN matrix and the reduced glass transition temperatu re of the dispersed EOR phase. Morphology studies using transmission electr on microscopy revealed formation of an interphase between the matrix and th e rubber particles. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.