Abstract:
Blends of gradual styrene-butadiene rubbers (SBRs) were prepared from linear SBRs of narrow molecular weight distribution synthesized by anionic polymerization. Blends were made either by mixing polymer solutions and then evaporating the solvent or by mixing desiccated solid SBRs. We demonstrate that the morphology of the fractured surfaces, examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties depend strongly on the mixing procedure and on the SBRs' compatibility.