Butadiene-acrylonitrile elastomers as PVC modifiers

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to present the results of research programme on influence of acrylonitrilebutadiene copolymers on plasticized polyvinylchloride compounds used as window gasket material. Design/methodology/approach: Short review concerning application of modified plasticized PVC compounds as gasket material was presented. In experimental part two types of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers were used as elastomeric plasticizers for PVC. Formulations with fifteen different levels of elastomeric modifiers content (up to 25% by weight) were prepared and tested. As reference formulations three commercial compounds were additionally tested. Shore hardness, short-term and long-term elastic recovery, tensile strength, elongation at break and migration of plasticizers from gasket material to unplasticized PVC were searched. Findings: Incorporation of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers into PVC enhanced many properties essential for its application as window gasket material. The most important changes occurred for long-term and short term elastic recovery, tensile strength and elongation at break. At the same time addition of these butadiene-acrylonitrile elastomers did not change migration of other plasticizers contained in gasket material into rigid PVC in being in contact with gasket. Obtained results showed that among tested compounds best properties as gasket material exhibited plasticized PVC with 23% of acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer Chemigum P83. Reference commercial formulations exhibited worse performance properties than new compounds with this acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer. Practical implications: Research programme allowed to elaborate plasticized PVC compounds modified with acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer that can be industrially applied for PVC window gaskets. Originality/value: Obtained results are of scientific and practical value. Research programme allowed to investigate the influence of elastomeric modifiers on plasticized PVC properties. Research results are also of practical importance.