Toughening of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Optimizing of the Compatibilization Between PET and EPDM by Functionalized EPDM

Abstract

Ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer (EPDM), which was grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by reactive blending, was used as modifier to toughen poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and enhance the compatibility of PET/EPDM blends. Mechanical properties showed that brittle ductile transition was observed in PET/EPDM-g-GMA blends with the rubber content over 20 wt.%. The introduction of EPDMg-GMA increased the mechanical properties of the PET/EPDM blends and decreased the particle size of EPDM dispersed phase. DSC analysis showed that the introduction of EPDM-g-GMA made the crystallization of PET difficult. DMA results showed that the compatibility of PET and EPDM phase was improved by EPDM-g-GMA.

Compatibility and toughening mechanism of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polycarbonate blends

“…[12][13][14] In general, conventional methods of toughening PET, such as the addition of thermoplastic elastomers, acrylic polymers or inorganic nanoparticles, can remarkably improve its mechanical toughness, but may be accompanied by loss of optical transparency. 15,16 Polycarbonate (PC), as an engineering thermoplastic with superior performance, not only simultaneously possesses high stiffness and impact toughness but also presents prominent optical properties and transparency. 17,18 Theoretically, the molecular chains of PET and PC both contain benzene ring and ester group structures with high structural similarity, which provides an effective solution for the poor impact toughness of PET while maintaining its good transparency.…”