Compatibilisation of heterogeneous acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber/polystyrene blends by the addition of styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer: effect on morphology and mechanical properties

Compatibility of polystyrene (PS) and acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) blend is poor, hence technological compatibilisation was sought by the addition of styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The interfacial activity of SAN was studied as a function of compatibiliser concentration by following the morphology of three different blend series, viz. PS/NBR 30/70, 50/50 and 70/30. Incorporation of SAN into PS/NBR blends improved tensile, tear, hardness and impact properties. Addition of SAN beyond the saturation level (critical micelle concentration) adversely affected the ultimate properties. Attempts were made to understand the conformation of the compatibiliser at the interface. The protocol of mixing was varied, and, its effect on the mechanical properties was investigated. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical predictions of Noolandi and Hong.