The effect of various compatibilizers on mechanical properties of polystyrene/polypropylene blend

Abstract The effect of various compatibilizers on the mechanical properties of polystyrene/polypropylene (PS/PP) blends was investigated. Blends of 20/80, 50/50 and 80/20 (wt%) were prepared through melt blending in a single screw extruder at a blend temperature of 200°C and a screw speed of 40 rpm. Four compatibilizers, viz. polystyrene-block–poly (ethylene–butylene)-block–polystyrene (SEBS), Surlyn®, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and sodium salt hydrate of 4 styrenesulfonic acid (4ssa,ssh) with concentration of 7.5% w/w were used. The tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus and impact strength of binary and ternary blends were compared. The blends containing SEBS and EVA showed a positive effect on the ductility of the blend. In the presence of Surlyn the strength of the blend increased, whereas 4 ssa,ssh showed a negative effect.