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Tensile properties and Izod impact strength of mica-filled composites of poly(butylene terephthlate) (PBT)/polyacrylonitrile-butyl acrylate-styrene (ABAS) were studied at mica concentration range 0 to 0.14 volume fraction, (ϕf). Tensile properties such as tensile modulus, strength, and breaking strain were normalized by dividing the data with the crystallinity (%) of the major component PBT in the composites and the matrix blends. The normalized relative tensile properties were compared with simple models to evaluate the interphase interactions between the matrix (i.e. PBT/ABAS blend) and the dispersed phase mica. Mica reinforced the blend increasing the tensile modulus and strength with mica concentration while the strain-at-break was increased marginally up to ϕf = 0.04 and decreased beyond this ϕf. The impact strength, however, decreased with increase in ϕf due to enhanced matrix stiffening and lack of plastic deformation of the matrix. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed good dispersion of mica in the composites. The effect of surface treatment with a zirconate coupling agent, NZ-97, on the above properties has also been examined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

The mechanical properties such as tensile properties and Izod impact strength of melt compounded poly (butylene terephthlate)(PBT)/Fluorocarbon terpolymer elastomer (FE) blends at FE concentration from 0 to 0.26 volume fraction were studied. With increase in the FE concentrations the tensile properties decreased while the impact strength increased. Good dispersion and adhesion of FE with major phase PBT was shown by the morphological studies. Crystallinity of PBT and interphase adhesion influenced the tensile properties. Use of simple models relating normalized relative tensile parameters where the data were divided by the crystallinity of PBT in the blends and in the matrix, respectively, supported the interphase adhesion. The concentration and the interparticle distance of the dispersed phase FE influenced the impact toughening.

The mechanical properties such as tensile behavior and impact strength of melt mixed poly(butylene terephthlate) (PBT)/acrylonitrile–butylacrylate–styrene (ABAS) terpolymer blends at ABAS contents up to 39 vol % were evaluated. Tensile properties decreased while impact strength was enhanced by the blending polymer. Morphological studies show good dispersion of ABAS into the PBT matrix. The strength properties were dependent on the crystallinity of PBT and interphase adhesion between the phases. The impact toughening was dependent on the blending rubber concentration and interparticle distance of the discrete phase. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1807–1817, 2007