Rubber particle cavitation has been the focus of many investigations because it dramatically affects the mechanical properties of polymeric blends. In this work, the effect of rubber particle cavitation on the mechanical behavior of high-impact polystyrene was studied. The extent of cavitation in rubber particles was varied via different thermal contraction/expansion cycles in the range of À100 to 238C. Tensile, creep, and Charpy impact tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the degree of cavitation on the general mechanical properties. The notch-tip damage zone and deformation micromechanisms were also investigated by a transmitted optical microscopy technique to reveal the effects of cavitation on toughness. The results of this investigation illustrate a close relationship between the degree of rubber particle cavitation and the mechanical performance of high-impact polystyrene.
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