Studies on Polycarbonate/Polystyrene/Polycarbonate-g-Polystyrene Blends. I. Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Polycarbonate-g-Polystyrene

Abstract

Polycarbonate (PC)/polystyrene (PS) blend is an immiscible system. The use of copolymers as compatibilizers in blends of immiscible polymers is one approach which is being developed within the larger field of polymer blends and alloys. The methods for preparing PC–PS copolymers are difficult and complicated. In this paper, a new method for preparing PC–PS graft copolymer, PC-g-PS, by radiation grafting is proposed. The structure of the graft copolymer was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Various factors which can be used to control the reaction have been studied. The molecular weight of the PS graft chain was determined by gel permeation chromatography after degrading the copolymer in aqueous sodium hydroxide and dichloromethane. The thermal properties of the copolymer have also been measured. © 1997 SCI.