Poly(vinyl chloride) plasticates modified by polystyrene: features of preparation, morphology and properties

Abstract

The influence of component composition and the nature of plasticizer on the features of intermolecular interactions in the system poly(vinyl chloride)–polystyrene–diester phthalate was established. It was found that polystyrene macromolecules are actively involved in interactions with both poly(vinyl chloride) macromolecules and plasticizer molecules, forming associates of slightly smaller size. It was noted that the wetting angle of the surface by plasticizer and the work of adhesion largely depend on the nature of a plasticizer and a polymer dissolved in it. This indicates a significant effect of the nature and content of the polymer modifier on the compatibility of poly(vinyl chloride) and plasticizer and changes in thermodynamic characteristics of the system. The influence of the nature and content of polystyrene modifier on physicochemical features of the migration process of diester phthalate plasticizer from modified poly(vinyl chloride) plasticate as well as on its morphological features was studied. It was found that the thermodynamic compatibility of the components is significantly affected by the wettability of the surface of fine polymer particles with liquid plasticizers, which, in turn, affects the release (migration) of the plasticizer from poly(vinyl chloride) plastics during operation of products based on them. Pre-dissolution of suspension polystyrene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic in the plasticizer, regardless of its nature, leads to a significant reduction in the value of migration.