Novel poly(vinyl chloride) based thermoplastic elastomers incorporating vinyl-functionalized silicone rubber

Novel poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) based thermoplastic elastomers were developed by blending with different proportions of vinyl-functionalized silicone rubber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed good compatibility between PVC and silicone rubber which allowed enhancement of the stress-strain behavior. On the contrary to neat PVC, exposure to heat or UV radiation was found not to cause any considerable deterioration to the stress-strain behavior. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) revealed a possible chemical interaction between the blend components involving the vinyl groups from the silicone rubber, which is thought to be the reason for maintaining the mechanical properties unaltered. Further investigation with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy signified absence of intensive dehydrochlorination usually encountered for PVC after exposure to heat or UV radiation, which indicates a potential stabilizing effect for the silicone rubber and build up of a network structure comprising both hard and soft segments.