Morphological and mechanical properties of PP/ABS blends compatibilized with PP‐g‐acrylic acid

Abstract Polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) blends were prepared by a melt extrusion process. PP‐ g ‐acrylic acid was used as a compatibilizer. Blends with various compositions of PP, compatibilizer, and ABS were prepared and studied for morphological and mechanical properties. PP‐rich ternary blends showed good morphological and mechanical properties. The use of 5 wt % PP‐ g ‐acrylic acid as a compatibilizer resulted in a fine and homogeneous dispersion of the ABS phase in the PP phase. The experimental data of the tensile modulus showed good agreement in PP‐rich compositions with that generated from Kerner's model with perfect adhesion. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1731–1741, 2001