Studies on poly(vinylchloride)†based polymer blends intended for medical applications. Part II: Mechanical properties

Binary polyblends of plasticized poly(vinylchloride) (PPVC1) with acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber (NBR1), compounded graft polymer of vinyl chloride and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAPVC) and ternary blends of PPVC1, NBR1, and EVAPVC were formulated to study mechanical properties. For the “pure” components, elongation at break was found to be in the order PPVC1 < EVAPVC < NBR1. Addition of both EVAPVC and NBR1 resulted in improvement of ultimate elongation and tensile energy to break. PPVC1‐NBR1 binary blends exhibited synergistic behavior for both ultimate tensile stress and elongation at break, indicating the presence of appreciable specific interactions between the polymers. About 30% replacement of PPVC1 by NBR1 or EVAPVC resulted in marginal fall in modulus and significant improvement in elongation at break. EVAPVC or blends containing EVAPVC had a tendency to creep. A simple generalized equation suggested for various mechanical properties works satisfactorily. The results obtained have practical implications and indicate that PVC‐based polyblends can be investigated further for potential applications in medicine. Copyright © 1992 Society of Plastics Engineers