Study of Dynamic Rheological, Dynamic Mechanical and Creep Properties of Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA)/Zn+2poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) Ionomer Blend

A new class of blend system comprising weather resistant acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate (ASA) terpolymer and Zn-ionomer was developed. Based on Zn-ionomer content, the blend system either forms 'mushroom' or 'brush' type conformation which affected dynamic rheology, DSC, DMA and creep properties differently. Formation of ionic crosslinkings by Zn-ionomer in 'brush regime' as well as limited ionic crosslinkings in 'mushroom regime' resulted in different nature molecular chain relaxation response. The DSC endotherm peak and glass transition temperature were also influenced by the type of conformation and ion-dipole interaction between the blend components. The tan delta from DMA study also reflected the similar trend. The creep deformation behavior of the blend was found to be dependent on highly deformable Zn-ionomer content and with temperature. The Findley model analysis suggests the ionic crosslinkings may be the possible reason for controlled creep deformation of the blend.