Enhancement of thermal stability, processability and morphology of polystyrene blends

To improve the thermal and morphological profiles of polystyrene (PS), we probed the effect of functionalized PS on reactive compatibilization with polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA). In this regard a three pronged strategy was pursued i.e. modification of PS to amine functionalized polystyrene (APS), followed by the blend films fabrication through in situ reactive compatibilization. Finally spectral, thermal, mechanical and morphological techniques were employed for the characterization of ensued blend films. The properties of binary blends were analyzed as a function of PS and APS content. Two blend systems; PS/PE-g-MA and APS/PE-g-MA, were prepared and investigated over a range (0–100 wt.%) of pristine PS and modified APS ratios. Reactively compatibilized systems demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, processability, morphology and interfacial adhesion by virtue of in situ formed APS/PE-g-MA copolymer that was confirmed using FTIR spectroscopy. Optimum thermal and morphological properties were shown by 90/10 APS/PE-g-MA blend. Potential applications and future prospects are envisaged.