Abstract:

In this work, a new type combined Lewis acids that can catalyze Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction between POE and PS in the molten state was studied. The existence of graft copolymer was testified by FTIR, showing the catalytic effect of this new type catalyst. SEM micrographs showed that the size of domains was decreased from 4～ 5 ?m to less than 1 ?m depending upon them as fraction of catalyst added. Due to the fact that in-situ generated POE-g -PS copolymer could act as a compatibilizer in the relative blending system, the mechanical properties of reactive blends were improved notably compared to those of physical blends. For examples, after coompatibilization the Izod impact strength of a POE/PS blend (60/40 wt%) was increased form 1.92kJ/m2 to 9.71 kJ/m2 and its elongation at break increased from 3.4% to 46.3%. The increased compatibilization was also supported by the method of rheology, with which higher complex viscosity of compatibilized blends was observed compared to those of physical blends.

Key words: reactive blend, compatibilization, graft copolymer, polyethylene octane copolymer, polystyrene