Elastomer toughening of poly(phenylene sulfide)

Toughened poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is desired for use as electrical an d electronical parts, or automobile and mechanical parts. We invented and d eveloped a new method for the preparation of elastomer toughened PPS. PPS w as chemically treated to activate the reactivity of the PPS end-group by ex trusion in the presence of diphenylmethane diisocynate (MDI) in its molten state at 300 degrees C. The reactive processing of MDI-treated PPS and an o lefinic elastomer with a functional group such as carboxylic acid anhydride gave a toughened PPS. The elastomer was finely dispersed in the PPS matrix . The mechanism for the toughening was attributed to the matrix PPS shear y ielding. The PPS sheet and elastomer sheet were thermally pressed. Only the combination of the MDI-treated PPS and an olefinic elastomer with a functi onal group showed a strong adhesion. A strong interaction between the MDI-t reated PPS and olefinic elastomer with a functional group was suggested. Th eir viscoelastic properties and melt viscosity measurements suggest a stron g interaction between the MDI-treated PPS and an olefinic elastomer with a functional group. The chemical reaction with PPS and olefinic elastomer wit h a functional group was also discussed from the viewpoint of infrared spec troscopy.