The objective of this study is to examine the influence of poly [styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) compatibilizer on the morphology and properties of atactic polystyrene/high density polyethylene (aPS/HDPE) blends. The rheological behavior of the blends melt during processing is followed. The concentration of SEBS does not significantly influence the processing parameters. The morphology is determined by SEM and TEM. aPS/HDPE/SEBS blends exhibit fine dispersion of HDPE or aPS particles in the matrix and better adhesion at the interface. Higher concentration of SEBS results in better compatibility. Transmission electron micrographs confirm existence of the SEBS interfacial layer between the aPS and the HDPE phase. This effect is stronger in the blends with higher SEBS concentration and HDPE as matrix. The mechanical properties are determined. The tensile strength decreases while the elongation at break and the impact strength increase with the SEBS content. The results prove that SEBS acts Downloaded from as a compatibilizer in aPS/HDPE blends and its effect is more expressed in blends with a higher SEBS content and HDPE as matrix.

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Summary: Processing and compatibilization effects of a commercially available styrene/ ethylene‐butylene/ styrene (SEBS) compatibilizer on the morphological structure, rheological and mechanical properties of blends of polystyrene (PS) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) were investigated. The rheological behaviour of the blends melt during processing was followed by measuring torque; extrusion capacity output and melts back‐pressure in a twin screw extruder. The processing parameters were decreased with the HDPE content. The results show that SEBS compatibilizer can yield compatibilization by substantially reducing torque and increasing the back‐pressure. However, the Hurst indices of melt processing parameters are increased with compatibilization. Near‐infrared spectra had been described by the Hurst index HNIR which is then related to HDPE content in the blends. The correlation between the blend compositions, morphological structure, mechanical and rheological properties and processing parameters was established and discussed on base of correlation with the fractal indices obtained from the SEM microphotographs of PS/HDPE/SEBS blends.