Effect of core–shell structured modifier ACR on ASA/SAN/ACR ternary blends

In this study, acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylic terpolymer/styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer/acrylic resin (ASA/SAN/ACR) ternary blends with different compositions were prepared by melting blending. Properties of the ternary blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, heat distortion temperature (HDT), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, melt flow rate (MFR), mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The blends showed two Tgs at about −48 and 109 °C. FTIR analyses showed no strong interactions between the characteristic groups existed in the prepared blends. No obvious phase separation observed in SEM images indicated good compatibility in the blend system. With respect to mechanical properties and processability, the addition of ACR not only led to the improvement of impact strength and elongation at break, but also the decline of tensile strength, flexural properties, hardness, and MFR. Furthermore, heat resistance of ASA/SAN (70/30) binary blends decreased with the addition of ACR, but the HDT of ASA/SAN (30/70) almost remain unchanged.