Investigation of the properties of PBT/ABS-g-GMA blends modified with epoxy resin of mid-molecular weights

Abstract Middle molecular weight epoxy resin was used to modify the properties of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and glycidyl methacrylate-functionalized acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS-g- GMA) blends. Rheological tests showed that the complex viscosity and storage modulus of PBT increased with the addition of epoxy resin due to the chemical reactions. PBT displayed non- Newtanian fluid behaviour when epoxy resin content was 10wt% or higher. SEM results showed there was no obvious difference between the morphology of PBT/ABS-g-GMA blends when epoxy resin content was low, however, agglomeration of ABS phase took place when epoxy resin content was 10wt% or higher due to the complicated reactions. DSC results showed that the addition of epoxy resin to PBT/ABS-g-GMA blends improved the compatibility according to T m depression criterion and DMA test further testified the improved compatibility. Mechanical tests showed impact strength of 902J/m and yield strength of 42MPa was achieved when 20wt% ABS-g-GMA and 5wt% epoxy resin were used, which displayed supper-toughness and much stiffer properties.