Core–shell particles designed for toughening poly(vinyl chloride)

A novel core–shell modifier (MOD) made up of polystyrene and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) grafted on a crosslinked styrene‐co‐butadiene core was synthesized by emulsion polymerization. This modifier was used for enhancing effectively the impact ductility of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) without losing its transparency. The effects of the MOD on the properties of PVC/MOD blends were explored. It was found that the butyl acrylate (BA) content of the MOD was an important factor affecting the properties of PVC/MOD blends. The Izod impact strength of these blends reached 1200 J m−1 when the MOD contained 40 wt% BA. The dispersion morphology of the MOD in the PVC matrix was investigated using transmission electron microscopy, with a uniform dispersion of the MOD with higher BA content being obtained. The toughening mechanism of PVC/MOD blends was also investigated. The presence of BA in the MOD enhanced the ductility of the PVC blends due to the increased amount of soft phase (PBA). The dispersion morphology indicated that the interfacial interaction between MOD particles and PVC matrix was improved due to the presence of PBA graft chain in the MOD. TEM of impact fracture samples showed that shear yielding of the PVC matrix and debonding of MOD particles were the major toughening mechanisms for the PVC/MOD blends.