Synthesis and characterization of miktoarm star copolymer of styrene and butadiene using multifunctional macromolecular initiator

A new kind of multifunctional macromolecular initiator with Sn-C bonds and polydiene arms was synthesized by living anionic polymerization. At first, polydiene-stannum chloride （PD-SnCl3） was prepared by the reaction of n-butyl-Li （n-BuLi）, stannic chloride （SnCl4） and diene. Then PD-SnCl3 was used to react with the dilithium initiator to prepare the multifunctional organic macromolecular initiators. The result suggested that the initiators had a remarkable yield by GPC, nearly 90%. By using these multifunctional macromolecular initiators, styrene and butadiene were effectively polymefized via anionic polymerization, which gave birth to novel miktoarm star copolymers. The relative molecular weight and polydispersity index, microstructure contents, copolymerization components, glass transition temperature （Tg） and morphology of the miktoarm star copolymers were investigated by GPC-UV, ~H NMR, DSC and TEM, respectively. 2009 Xing Ying Zhang. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Study of microstructure and flexural properties of microcellular acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene nanocomposite foams: experimental results

In this paper, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene （ABS） nanocomposite foams are produced using carbon dioxide through the solid-state batch process. Microcellular closed-cell foams are produced with the relative density ranging from 0.38 to 0.97. The effects of the processing conditions on the density, morphology, and flexural properties of ABS and its nanocomposite foams are studied. It is found that nanoclay particles, as nucleating sites, play an important role in reducing the size of cells and increasing their number in the unit volume of foamed polymer, as well as increasing the flexural modulus of foam through reinforcing its matrix.

Study of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Palm Fiber Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Composite

Palm fiber (PF) reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composite matrix was prepared by employing Injection Moulding Machine (IMM). Palm fiber was collected from ten different trees of different age group from Comilla region in Bangladesh. Three sets of samples were prepared for three different wt% (5%, 10% and 20%) of fiber contents. The mechanical (tensile strength, flexural stress, micro hardness, Leeb’s rebound hardness) and physical (bulk density and water absorption) properties were measured. The observed result reveals that the tensile strength (TS) and flexural stress (FS) were decreased with increasing fiber contents in the PF-ABS composites except 10% fiber content.

Synthesis of polystyrene-styrene/butadiene diblock copolymers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer miniemulsion polymerization

Polystyrene-styrene/butadiene diblock copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer （RAFT） miniemulsion polymerization.During the polymerization process,the molecular weight distribution was narrow and the numerical molecular weight of the copolymers increased with increasing conversion of monomers,which was close to the theoretical.FT-IR and ^1H NMR results indicated that the microstructure of the polymer was mainly 1,4-trans-butadiene with small amount of 1,2-units,and composition in the copolymers was obtained.

Structures and Properties Characterization of Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene /Organo-palygorskite Clay Composites

Palygorskite （PGS） and vinyl tris-（2-methoxyethoxy） silane （KH-172） modified palygorskite （OPGS） were used to prepare acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene （ABS）/clay composites. Thermal stability of the composites was evaluated by using thermogravimetric analysis （TGA）. The morphology of the fractured surface and the degree of dispersion of the clay in the ABS matrix were observed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis results showed the variation of the crystal structure. Measurements of the tensile properties of the ABS/clay composites proved that the ABS/OPGS composited material represented the most excellent tensile property, because of good compatibility and dispersion of ABS with OPGS.

The Effects of Build Parameters and Strain Rate on the Mechanical Properties of FDM 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

In this paper, the effects of build parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM) are investigated. Full factorial experimental design incorporating a 2-level, 3-factor design with raster angle, layer thickness and interior fill style was carried out. Tensile tests were performed at four different strain rates to determine how the build parameters influence the mechanical properties of the 3-D printed ABS and to assess its strain rate sensitivity under quasi-static loading. It was found that the modulus of toughness of ABS material is most influenced by raster angle, while the interior fill style is the most dominant build parameter that dictates the specimen’s modulus of resilience, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. At all strain rates, it is further revealed that higher mean values of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and modulus of resilience were obtained when the interior fill style is solid as opposed to high density. This can be attributed to the denser structure and higher effective cross-sectional area in solid interior fill style in comparison with high density interior fill style. However, the influence of the layer thickness on the investigated mechanical properties was found to be inconsistent. It was noted that specimens built with both 0.254 mm layer thickness and the cross [0°/90°] raster angle had superior mechanical properties when compared to those built with the 0.3302 mm layer thickness and cross [0°/90°] raster angle. This suggests that there is a key interaction between the layer thickness and the raster angle. At any FDM build parameter, it was found that all the mechanical properties investigated in this work exhibited modest sensitivity to strain rates. This study has provided a platform for an appropriate selection of build parameters combinations and strain rates for additive manufacturing of 3D-printed ABS with improved mechanical properties.

Effect of Methyl Methacrylate– Acrylonitrile -Butadiene–Styrene (MABS) on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)-Fly Ash Cenospheres (FAC) Filled Composites

With the advent of plastics and the wide range of fillers that are available have made modifications as precise as the tailored resins themselves. To modify the properties of polymer either by using fillers or by preparation of polymer blends gives rise to new materials with tailored properties. More complex, three-component systems, obtained by the addition of polymeric modifier to polymer filled composites may be of interest. Use of Fly ash cenospheres is very attractive because it is inexpensive and its use can reduce the environmental pollution to a significant extent. In the present study, Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)-Fly ash cenospheres composites were prepared using extrusion followed by Injection molding. The effect of matrix modification with Methyl methacrylate– acrylonitrile -butadiene–styrene (MABS) on the performance of PMMA- Fly ash cenospheres compositions was also, studied. It was found that with the addition of Fly ash cenospheres particulate as filler in PMMA showed marginal reduction in Tensile Strength, % Elongation and Impact strength and improvement in Flexural Strength, Heat Deflection Temperature and Vicat Softening Point. Compared with PMMA-cenospheres composites, the notched Impact Strength of the PMMA/MABS/cenospheres composites showed marginal enhancement in values at higher loading of cenospheres. The optimum performances in mechanical and thermal properties were obtained when the ratio of MABS to cenospheres was 1:2.

STUDY ON STYRENE-BUTADIENE BLOCK COPOLYMER FOR THE MODIFICATI0N OF TIRE TREAD

This paper mainly deals with the design and synthesis of a novel styrene-butadieneblock copolymer. When this copolymer is used in the tread portion of tyres, it can improvewet skid resistance and reduce rolling resistance without sacrificing its general physical-mechanical properties. The visco-elastic curve of tire tread using the novel copolymer asits rubber portion was showed. Reactivity ratios for two monomers in the polymerizingsystem were calculated. The diagrams of differelitial, integral and finite difference calculithroughout the whole molecular chain were presented. The influence of the micro- andmacro-structure of the copolymer chain on wet skid resistance and rolling resistance wasdiscussed

Study on N-Phenylmaleimide/Styrene /Acrylonitrile Copolymer Prepared by Emulsion Polymerization

The emulsion polymerization of N-phenylmaleimide, Styrene and acrylonitrile was studied. The thermal property of this copolymer was measures by dynamic thermomechanical analysis(DMA). The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, hardness and fie-cural Strength were StUdied experimentally. The results indicated that not only the monomer component but also the polymerization technologies have effect on the properties of the copolymer. The optimum monomer content and suitable polymerization method were obtained.

Synthesis and performance of miktoarm star copolymers of styrene and butadiene

A novel multifunctional macromolecular organolithium initiator （PD-Sn-（RLi）3） was prepared via living anionic polymerization and used for the synthesis of miktoarm star copolymers in cyclohexane. The average molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and unit composition of the miktoarm star copolymers were characterized with GPC and 1H-NMR. Performances of the miktoarm star styrene-butadiene rubbers were investigated in comparison with those of the blend rubbers such as the tin-coupled star-shaped random copolymers of styrene-butadiene rubber（S-SBR）/natural rubber （NR） blend rubber and S-SBR/Cis-1, 4-polybutadiene rubber （Cis-BR） blend rubber.

Thermal Stability Improvement and Structural Change of Oil Gels Formed by Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Triblock Copolymer Induced by Adding Poly(phenylene ether)

The thermal stability of oil gels formed by styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) was improved by adding a small amount of poly(phenylene ether) (PPE), which has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg). In naphthenic oil which is a good solvent for the butadiene blocks, but a non-solvent for the styrene blocks and PPE, PPE was selectively included into styrene blocks in SBS, and induced the increase of the Tg of these blocks. The melting temperature determined by viscoelastic measurements and softening temperature of the gels were elevated by adding PPE, while no significant change was detected by adding polystyrene. The gel became opaque by adding PPE, and partially separated phases were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The dependence of the viscoelastic behavior on the PPE concentration can be explained by the structural change observed by FE-SEM.

Performance of CTBN(carboxyl-terminated poly (butadiene-co-acrylonitrile))-EP(diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)) Prepolymers and CTBN-EP/polyetheramine (PEA) System

CTBN-EP prepolymers were synthesized from CTBN and epoxy resin under the catalysis of HTMAB. FTIR analyses indicate the formation of ester group between the carboxyl group of CTBN and the oxirane group of epoxy resin. The viscosity of modified prepolymer increases with CTBN content increasing, but the epoxy value of the prepolymer decreases greatly. DSC analyses verify that CTBN affects the curing process of CTBN-EP/PEA system. Mechanical testing presents the improved toughness of CTBN-EP/PEA curings for the decrease of tensile strength, flexural strength and compressive strength, and increase of impact strength and elongation-at-break with the CTBN content increasing. SEM micrographs show the rubber phase with many holes in diameter about 0.5-1.5 μm is formed when CTBN content is lower than 10 phr. However, the pattern of SEM graph shows some stalactite-like strips when CTBN content is higher than 15 phr. Furthermore, the SEM image of 25 phr CTBN sample forms a kind of co-continuous structure.

Volatile Substances in Polymer Toys Made from Butadiene and Styrene

The residual levels and migration behavior of volatile substances were detected using HS-GC/MS for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) toys, thermoplastic elastomer toys, and rubber toys made from 1,3-butadiene and styrene found on the Japanese market. The maximum residual level of these volatile substances was 2600 μg/g of styrene in ABS toys. In particular, the levels of known carcinogens 1,3-butadiene, benzene, and acrylonitrile are 5.3, 2.5 and 55 μg/g, which are much lower than the EU limit of 0.1%. Furthermore, some volatile substances migrated from ABS toys into water in amounts of 3 -40 ng/mL. Thermoplastic elastomer toys and rubber toys contained these volatile substances at significantly lower levels than ABS toys.

Studies on Rheological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Polylactide/Methyl Methacrylate-Butadiene-Styrene Copolymer/Poly(propylene carbonate) Polyurethane Ternary Blends

Polylactide(PLA),methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer(MBS),and poly(propylene carbonate)polyurethane(PPCU)were blended and subjected to blown film process.The rheological,mechanical,morphological,thermal,and crystalline properties of the PLA/MBS/PPCU ternary blends and the mechanical properties of the resulting films were studied.Results of mechanical test showed that PPCU and MBS could synergistically toughen PLA.The impact strength of 50/10/40 PLA/MBS/PPCU blend(74.7 k J/m^2)was about 7.5 times higher than that of the neat PLA(10.8 k J/m^2),and the elongation at break of 50/10/40 PLA/MBS/PPCU blend(276.5%)was higher by about 45 times that of PLA(6.2%).The tear strength of PLA/MBS/PPCU films was 20 k N/m higher than that of PLA,and the elongation at break(MD/TD)of 50/10/40 PLA/MBS/PPCU films was 271.1%/222.3%,whereas that of PLA was only 2.7%/3.0%.POM observations displayed that the density of spherulite nucleation increased and the size of crystalline particles decreased with the addition of MBS.With increasing PPCU content from 5%to 20%,the density of spherulite nucleation increased and the size of crystalline particles decreased continuously,but the nucleation density of spherulites was slightly lowered with increasing PPCU content from 30%to 40%.The PLA/MBS/PPCU films exhibited excellent mechanical properties,which expanded the application range of these biodegradable films.

CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON COMPLEXES SUPPORTED ON POLYMER AND THEIR CATALYTIC ACTIVITY IN BUTADIENE POLYMERIZATION

Styrene-acrylic acid copolymer (SAAC)-supported iron complex (SAAC·Fe)was characterized and the effect of the characteristic parameters on the catalytic activity of the complex was investigated. IR spectrum suggested that the complex SAAC·Fe possesses a structure of(C)and the Fe-O bond is higher in covalency.The complex SAAC·Fe with the structure of(C)shoved a higher catalytic activity in butadiene polymerization. When Fe/-COOH molar ratio in SAAC·Fe was about 0.2 the complex gave optimum catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of SAAC·Fe with the higher content of long sequence of acrylic acid units was low. When the content of the short sequence of acrylic acid units was predominant and at the same time the content of the short sequence was approximately equal to that of the long sequence for stryrene, the activity of the complex was high.

Detection of free surface composition and molecular-level structural development of styrene(S)/butadiene(B) block copolymer films during a solution-to-film process

The surface chemical structure development in solution-cast styrene(S)/butadiene(B) block copolymer films as a function of solvent evaporation time was investigated using sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy(SFG).The surface structure formation of the styrene(S)/butadien(B) block copolymer(30 wt% PS) films during the solution-to-film process was found to be controlled mainly by dynamic factors,such as the mobility of the PB block in solution.For SB diblock copolymers,a pure PB surface layer was formed only when the film was cast by dilute toluene solution.With increasing concentration of casting solution,PB and PS components were found to coexist on the film surface,and the morphology of the PB component on the film surface changed from cylindrical rods to spheres.For SBS triblock copolymers,a small amount of PS component existed on the surface even if the film was cast by 1.0 wt% toluene solution.In addition,PS components at the outermost layer of the film increased and the length of PB cylindrical rods on the surface decreased with increasing concentration of casting solution.

POLYMER-SUPPORTED LANTHANIDE COMPLEXES FOR THE POLYMERIZATION OF BUTADIENE

The characteristics of styrene-acrylic acid copolymer supported lanthanide complexes (SAAC Ln) (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tin, Yb, and Lu) were described. A comparison of the activities of SAAC·Ln was made. It was found that in the polymerization of butadiene, a peak in activity appeared at Nd and Pr, Sin, Eu and the heavy lanthanides exhibited low or no activities. The effects of some factors on the activities were discussed. The microstructure of the polymers obtained with all the lanthanides in the series were the same and the content of cis-1, 4 polybutadiene attained was more than 98%.

FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION FOR YIELD STRESS OF HARD POLY(VINYL CHLORIDE)/ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE-STYRENE BLENDS AT DIFFERENT CROSSHEAD SPEEDS

Hard poly（vinyl chloride） （PVC）/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene （ABS） blends were prepared using injection- molding and influence of crosshead speed on mechanical properties was examined. Based on morphology parameters obtained from transmission electron microscopy photography and the material parameters from true stress-strain curves of neat PVC and ABS, yield stresses of the blends at different crosshead speeds were simulated employing a two-dimensional nine-particle model based on the finite element analysis （FEA）. The FEA results were compared with the experimental yielding stress and the good agreement validated the simulation approach. The FEA approach allowed establishing a yielding criterion related to local yielding of the interstitial matrix between ABS particles.

Comparison of Two Methods in Determining the Composition Distribution of SBS Copolymers

The comparison of the determination of chemical composition distributions of butadiene-styrene copolymers, obtained by the formula method and experimental method of GPC, is given in this paper. The relative error of average composition was shown to be less than 5%. The formula method was found to be a more convenient and time-saving approach in the characterization of the copolymer composition distribution.