Mechanical properties and fracture behavior of blends of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer and crystalline engineering plastics

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of mechanically recycling blends of ABS with minor amounts of semicrystalline engineering plastics, such as polyamide, poly(ethylene terephthalate), and poly(butylene terephthalate). Compatibilizers and a core–shell impact modifier were incorporated into the blends in order to improve the mechanical properties. The toughness values, measured by the J‐integral method, and the Charpy impact strength did not always exhibit consistent results, due to the significant difference in deformation rate and in fracture mechanism. The formation of co‐continuous structures in the blends were noted and discussed. The fibrillation in the fracture surface contributed to the toughness as measured by the J‐integral method.