Synthesis and characterization of star-comb styrene/butadiene copolymer

A novel star-comb styrene/butadiene copolymer (SC-SBC) was synthesized by anionic polymerization and grafting reaction with epoxidized star liquid polybutadiene (ESPB) as coupling agent. The overall shape of the star-comb macromolecules can be altered by changing the molecular weight and number of the side chain. The molecular parameters and mechanical properties of the SC-SBC resins were investigated. The notched izod impact strength of the SC-SBC resins are excellent and reach as high as to 239 J/m.