Deformation behavior and mechanical properties of polystyrene/organoclay/SEBS

Polystyrene- (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene-Maleic Anhydride) (SEBS-MA) composites with/without organoclay were prepared by melt intercalation method. The morphology, tensile and impact properties and deformation mechanism of these compounds were investigated. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and reflected and transmitted optical microscopy techniques were used to study the morphology and deformation mechanisms. The results show that incorporation of SEBS with/without organoclay notably affects morphology, mechanical properties and plastic deformation of polystyrene. Introduction of SEBS with/without organoclay can facilitate initiation and growth of crazing mechanism in polystyrene during both tensile loading and 3 PB testing. They can alter the crazing mechanism from local to massive in polystyrene matrix.