Impact reinforcement of poly(vinyl chloride)

Several theories have been advanced to explain the toughening of glassy plastics by rubbery modifiers. These have been based primarily on studies of high impact polystyrene or ABS systems, where the crazing mechanism has been shown to be most applicable. In the present study, the effects of MBS (methacrylate‐butadiene‐styrene) impact modifiers on PVC have been studied, utilizing both physical and microscopic techniques. Tensile test results indicate that a primary contribution of the modifier to increased toughness is a lowering of the yield stress of the PVC. Electron microscopic studies and density determinations on strained samples indicate no crazes in these MBS‐modified PVC systems. These results suggest that the mechanism of impact reinforcement in PVC is based on the enhancement of localized yielding in the vicinity of the rubbery modifier particles.