No abstract

The reactions between polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-butylene)-block-polystyrene-graftedmaleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) is a novel, convenient, solvent-free, and easy way to create SEBS-g-PC in order to compatibilize polystyrene and PC blends. This study determines the most efficient catalyst among Tin (II) bis(2-ethylhexanoate) (SnOct 2 ), 1,5,7-Triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD), Titanium tetrabutoxide (Ti(OBu) 4 ) and Sodium 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate dihydrate (SHBS) in the molten state at 220°C. From 20 to 30 wt% of SEBS-g-MAH (or KFG) chains became insoluble. The size exclusion chromatography analyses showed the formation of a double distribution due to PC chains scission and grafting reactions onto SEBS-g-MAH with the exception of the Ti(BuO) 4 use. Fine microstructures with a percolation effect proved the efficiency of both the TBD and the SnOct 2 . The PC transition temperature decreased in at least 10°C, confirmed that only SnOct 2 and TBD were efficient to catalyze the grafting reactions. No evolution was observed with the SHBS and Ti(OBu) 4.