The objectives of this study were to determine the compatibility of various blends of commercially available rigid, unplasticized, impact‐modified polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers. The effects of acrylic type and loading level on compatibility were investigated. The resultant alloys or blends were subsequently evaluated for compatibility through examination of the following properties: processability, rigidity, strength, impact resistance, heat resistance, clarity, and ultra‐violet aging. This report limits itself to the discussion of the ambient mechanical properties of rigidity, strength, and impact behavior.

Recent concerns over smoke toxicity and optical properties have forced the electrical/electronics industries, particularly the wire and cable and fiber‐optics industries, to focus attention on the development of new materials. The demands are critical for these applications and include not only optical and flammability properties but also thermal and mechanical properties, and, of course, processability. Acrylic‐fluoroplastic alloys are exceptional candidates for meeting such requirements. Along with various optical evaluation and traditional mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical testing (DMT) procedures, as specified by ASTM protocols, can be used to evaluate, qualify, and quantify alloys for their end‐use properties and processability. Specifically, this paper shows how DMT can be used to monitor both the solid and melt rheological properties of several PMMA/PVDF alloys. Important results of this study include the evaluation of compatibility/miscibility, modulus as a function of temperature, melt viscosity as a function of shear rate, and melt viscosity as a function of temperature.

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The objectives of this study were to determine the compatibility of various blends of commercially available rigid, unplasticized, impact‐modified polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers. The effects of acrylic type and loading level on compatibility were investigated. The resultant alloys or blends were subsequently evaluated for compatibility through examination of the following properties: processability, rigidity, strength, impact resistance, heat resistance, clarity, and ultra‐violet aging. This report limits itself to the discussion of the thermal‐mechanical properties, specifically dynamic mechanical properties in torsion (ASTM D 5279).

Several segments of the plastics conversion industry are concerned with meeting critical functional and performance demands. Relevant concerns include flame spread, smoke generation, and toxicity. In recent decades, the transportation and electrical/electronics industries have consumed tremendous quantities of polymeric materials. Many of these plastics have been extensively modified to meet flammability criteria, processability demands, and other functional requirements. Aircraft and electronics applications of these materials include printed circuit boards, electrical connectors, wiring, wire harnesses, and aircraft cabin flooring, ceiling, paneling, carpeting, and cargo storage bins. The traditional mechanism for imparting flame retarding properties is to incorporate external additives, which alter burning characteristics, but at the expense of functional properties. An alternate solution to flame retarding that has gained much attention in recent years is the alloying, or blending, of flammable polymers with inherently flame retarded polymers. ASTM protocol has established dynamic mechanical testing (DMT) techniques to evaluate the rheological properties of such materials. This paper exhibits how DMT can be used to monitor the solid properties of various flame retarded alloys.