The effect of rubber particle size on the mechanical properties of high-impact polystyrene

Abstract

Resins having different rubber particle sizes were prepared by polymerizing impact polystyrene using different agitation rates but keeping all other parameters constant. Also, samples were made varying the amount and type of rubber and type of agitation. The impact and tensile properties of the prepared resins are studied in relation to existing theories of rubber particle reinforcement. The particle size dependence of energy absorption in impact (high intensity) and tensile (low intensity) testing appear to be opposite in nature. Energy absorption increases with increasing particle size in the high-intensity mode and decreases in low-intensity testing. Different mechanisms are, therefore, postulated to be operative in each of these two test methods.