Effect of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) additive on mechanical properties of maleic anhydride-grafted acrylonitrile butadiene styrene for coating applications

The Izod impact strength of maleic anhydride-grafted acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (MA-g-ABS) copolymer has been improved by the use of rubbery poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA). The MA-g-ABS is prepared by an internal mixer using dicumyl peroxide as free radical initiator, and the grafting degree was determined using back-titration method. The amount of EVA is optimized by evaluating the Izod impact strength, tensile, and flexural properties of the samples. Addition of 6% EVA into MA-g-ABS system improved the Izod impact strength and tensile strength by 18% and 35%, respectively. The miscibility of EVA in ABS and MA-g-ABS matrices has been observed using differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The enhanced adhesion property exhibited by MA-g-ABS/EVA systems promises it as a good candidate for thermoplastic coating applications on aluminum substrates. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:287-295, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers