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. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers