Flow characteristics, mechanical properties and chemical resistance of polycarbonate/polybutylene terephthalate/impact modifier blends

Mechanical proper-ties, flow characteristics and chemical resistance of polycarbonate (PC)/polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)/impact modifier (IM) blends were investigated over the various composition ranges of PC and PBT. Mechanical properties of the PC/PBT/IM blends for different IMs, butadiene based IM and butyl acrylate based IM, were studied for various compositions of the IMs. Impact strength at low temperature was also observed. For the study of chemical resistance of the PC/PBT/IM blends, the blends were dipped in organic solvent, thinner, and then variations of mechanical properties were analyzed. Tensile and flexural strengths were increased linearly and heat distortion temperature (HDT) also increased as PC content in the blends increased. Impact strength increased drastically as PC content increased up to 50 wt% and stayed stable value. Flowability decreased as PC content increased. Impact strengths of the blend were various for different IMs. Butyl acrylate based M showed slightly higher impact strength than butadiene based IM for the temperature above 0degreesC. However, butadiene based IM showed remarkably higher impact strength than butyl acrylate based IM for the temperature below 0degreesC. Through the experiment of chemical resistance it was observed that tensile and flexural strengths decreased, and impact strength increased as PC content in the blends increased. PC in the blend would become mild and ductile when it contacted with organic solvent. Thus the impact strength increased while tensile and flexural strength decreased.