Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.73, No.2, 203-219, 1999
Mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) modified with functionalized polymers
This study examined the effect of blending poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with 5% of a functionalized polymer. The blends were characterized by particle size and size distribution, unnotched tensile behavior, toughness, and notch sensitivity. The improved properties of blends that incorporated a functionalized elastomer were consistent with in situ formation of a graft copolymer by reaction with PET end groups. Triblock copolymers were examined that had styrene end blocks and an ethylene/ butylene midblock (SEBS) with grafted maleic anhydride. The present study extended previous investigations that focused on level of grafting to examine the effects of component molecular weight and PET hydroxyl-to-carboxyl end-group ratio. Increasing the molecular weight of the SEES and decreasing the hydroxyl-to-carboxyl ratio of the PET increased the effectiveness of the SEES. In addition, a mix of an unfunctionalized SEES with a functionalized SEES was more effective than a single SEES with the same total anhydride content. The same elastomers were the most effective for modifying a lower molecular weight PET (intrinsic viscosity 0.73) and a higher molecular weight PET (intrinsic viscosity 0.95). Some functionalized polypropylenes included in the study did not enhance the properties of PET.