Morphological and mechanical properties of PP/ABS blends compatibilized with PP-g-acrylic acid

Polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends were pr epared by a melt extrusion process. PP-g-acrylic acid was used as a compati bilizer. Blends with various compositions of PP, compatibilizer, and ABS we re prepared and studied for morphological and mechanical properties. PP-ric h ternary blends showed good morphological and mechanical properties. The u se of 5 wt % PP-g-acrylic acid as a compatibilizer resulted in a fine and h omogeneous dispersion of the ABS phase in the PP phase. The experimental da ta of the tensile modulus showed good agreement in PP-rich compositions wit h that generated from Kerner's model with perfect adhesion. (C) 2001 John W iley & Sons, Inc.