Emulsion polymerization of butadiene and subsequent grafting of methylmethacrylate. High impact properties of blends from this grafted polymer and polyvinylchloride

The paper illustrates the graft emulsion polymerization of methylmethacrylate onto polybutadiene in two steps. In the first butadiene is polymerized using two radical initiators (AIBN and (NH 4 ) 2 S 2 O 8 ), whose ratio does not influence the relative amount of 1,2‐, 1,4‐trans and 1,4‐cis structures. The second step uses AIBN only: the grafting yield is very high. Grafting mechanism is discussed. The grafted polymer has good mechanical properties and its blends with PVC present very high impact strength. The mechanical properties are discussed. A statistical copolymer of butadiene and methylmethacrylate was prepared and compared with the grafted polymer. The copolymer is also a very good additive for PVC to elevate its impact strength.