Thermal and mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends

Abstract

A series of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends have been prepared with different compositions viz., 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer by melt blending method in Haake Rheocord. The effect of different compositions of EVA on the physico-mechanical and thermal properties of PMMA and EVA copolymer blends have been studied. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been employed to investigate the phase behavior of PMMA/ EVA blends from the point of view of component specific interactions, molecular motions and morphology. The resulting morphologies of the various blends also studied by optical microscope. The DSC analysis indicates the phase separation between the PMMA matrix and EVA domains. The impact strength analysis revealed a substantial increase in impact strength from 19 to 32 J/m. The TGA analysis reveals the reduction in onset of thermal degradation temperature of PMMA with increase in EVA component of the blend. The optical microscope photographs have demonstrated the PMMA/EVA system had a microphase separated structure consisting of dispersed EVA domains within a continuous PMMA matrix.

Ethylene Methacrylate (EMA) Co-polymer Toughened Polymethyl Methacrylate Blends: Physico-mechanical, Optical, Thermal and Chemical Properties

“…Generally, reduction in density values of the blends is due to the incompatibility of the constituents, micro void formation, poor interfacial adhesion or phase separations. Similar observations were reported for PMMA=EVA blends [9,10] .…”

“…Similar observations were noted in the case of impact strength, for 5 wt. % EMA incorporation into PMMA yield maximum impact strength as noted in elastomer based PMMA blends [9,10] . From Table 1, it is noticed that the addition of EMA decreases the surface hardness of all the blends.…”

“…The principal limitation is its brittleness and poor solvent resistance. To improve the performance of PMMA, it has been blended with a variety of rubbers or co-polymers as reported earlier [8][9][10][11][12] . In several patents the impact strength of PMMA was improved by blending it with acrylic elastomers.…”

Antibacterial Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Polyester for the Coating of Blood‐Contacting Artificial Materials

“…The thermogram of PMMA (Fig. 4 [i]) shows a characteristic Tg at c. +110°C, as previously reported for PMMA (28). In the presence of increasing PSPE amounts, the Tg of pure PMMA is shifted toward decreasing Tg values: from 109 to 83°C for the 36.4:64.6 wt/wt film (Fig.…”

Investigation of the structural, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) blends

“…Blend systems that are composed of existing materials can be developed at reduced cost to suit new market requirements. 1 Because the properties of a blend system vary with the composition, an existing blend can be easily and quickly modified to meet performance and cost objectives required for new or changing markets. New blend systems are particularly attractive when one of the components is much less expensive than the others because this allows the blend to be produced at a low cost.…”