Grafting reaction of methylmethacrylate onto EPR and EPDM rubbers. Toughening effects of graft copolymers on polycarbonate and poly(methylmethacrylate)

The grafting reaction of methylmethacrylate was done using EPR or EPDM rubbers swollen by a minimum amount of cyclohexane in the presence of benzoyl peroxide or azoisobutyronitrile and of the monomer at 80°C. The yield of the grafting reaction was evaluated as function of the added initiator and of the unsaturation content in the rubber. The products of the grafting reaction were used to obtain blends with poly(methylmethacrylate) and with polycarbonate. The mechanical properties indicate that a good toughening effect is obtained even if molding is done by simple compression technique.