Designs of latex particles' morphologies for toughening polymer matrices

The performance of the designed structured core/shell latex particles in toughening polycarbonate (PC) matrix was examined. The influence of parameters related to the core/shell latex particles on toughening PC such as: the particle size and levels of crosslinking of the core rubber particles, composition and molecular-weight of the shell polymer, the weight ratio of shell and core polymers as well as the particle morphology was evaluated. Core/shell structured latex particles with thinner shells of higher molecular-weight polymers were found to improve the impact resistance of PC. The role of chain entanglements in increased adhesion between the discrete rubbery phase and the continuous glass matrix are discussed.