Eva-Based Graft Copolymers as Compatibilizing Agents for Polymer Blends

Abstract

Abstract The effect of EVA-based graft copolymers on the mechanical behavior of EVA-based polymer blends was investigated. Polystyrene/EVA and poly(vinyl chloride (PVC)/EVA blends were compatibilized with EVA-polystyrene graft copolymer (EVA-g-PS) and EVA-poly(methyl methacrylate) graft copolymer (EVA-g-PMMA), respectively. Both graft copolymers were synthesized by free radical technique using EVA carrying mercapto groups as chain transfer agent. The mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. In both polymer systems, the addition of the corresponding graft copolymer improves the mechanical response.