Influence of triblock copolymer interfacial modifiers on fracture behavior of polystyrene/ethylene-propylene rubber blends

Abstract

A study is conducted to foster the understanding of the effects of two triblock copolymers of styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene (SEBS) on the fracture behavior of the blend of 80 vol% polystyrene (PS) and 20% ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR). Emphasis is on the brittle-ductile transition in fracture behavior. Results show that adding an interfacial agent lowers the temperature at brittle-ductile transition. The plasticizing effect of the interfacial agent is also confirmed.