Utilizing biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) to synergistically toughen polymer blends without sacrificing stiffness

Rubber/elastomer-toughened polymers are usually accompanied by a loss in stiffness. Herein, this drawback was overcome in a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/poly(α-methylstyrene-acrylonitrile) (α-MSAN) blending system, where a considerable toughening effect without sacrifice of stiffness was achieved by a combination of elastomer-chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) and a small amount of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Interestingly, neither CPE nor PBS alone effectively toughened the PVC/α-MSAN blend, indicating a synergistic effect. Surprisingly, unique CPE network structures as well as small PBS crystal regions were formed in the PVC/α-MSAN/CPE/PBS blend. The former supplied the main toughening mechanism, while the latter helped to prevent the loss of stiffness. Our present study shows the high potential of using biodegradable PBS to produce materials with greater toughness and better sustainability.