An analysis was performed on the effects of rubber particle size on the mechanical and optical properties of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend and the ABS/PMMA/methacrylatebutadiene-styrene (MBS) blend. This work found that when the particle size is 0.22-0.23 μm, the impact strength value of the ABS/PMMA blend is at its maximum and is the same as that of the ABS/PMMA/MBS blend. The optimum particle size is effective in toughening because it can trigger the shear yielding mechanism of the matrix. The miscibility and surface glossiness of the blends with 0.22 μm particle size were also much better than those of the blends with other particle sizes. This work provides new insights into the synergistic roles of rubber particle size and core-shell modifier in the toughening of ABS/PMMA blend with good impact toughness and high surface glossiness.

Keywords: rubber particle size; toughening; surface glossiness