Compatibilization of polymer blends by reactive processing

Abstract This review examines some recent developments in the field of reactive compatibilization of polymer blends by melt processing in extruders and intensive batch mixers. Three routes to reactive compatibilization are considered, namely, the use of suitably functionalized blend constituents, the incorporation of polymeric compatibilizers, and the addition of low molecular weight compounds. Representative systems from the recent patent and open literature are classified according to method and assumed mechanism of compatibilization, and the types of chemical reactions involved. A variety of polymer blends are discussed, including impact modified thermoplastics, polymer modified engineering thermoplastics, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers, and co‐crosslinked rubber/rubber blends. Examples of potential opportunities in reactive compatibilization are also presented.