Preparation and characterization of composites using blends of divinylbenzene‐based hyperbranched and linear functionalized polymers

In this study, hyperbranched polymers were explored as matrix modifiers to create E-glass fiber (GF) reinforced polymer composites with enhanced mechanical properties. Hyperbranched have lower viscosities than their linear equivalents, potentially providing wet out leading improved stress transfer. (HB), hydrogenated (H-HB), and functional (LF) divinyl benzene blended polystyrene (LP) form a range of composite formulations. Blends the HB LP used since neat alone proved be highly brittle when formed into film. A LP-GF was also prepared control. Of three considered, only H-HB provided an improvement in properties comparison LP-GF. With addition 10 20 wt% H-HB, respectively, flexural modulus increased by 25% (p < 0.05) 36% strength 15% 31% 0.005). The attributed better wetting along crystallization observed H-HB. non-reactive ethyl (CH2CH3) chain end group macromolecular resulted plasticizing effect, which turn its wettability. LP:HB blends, on other hand, underwent crosslinking due presence vinyl (CHCH2) ends poor wettability LP:H-HB LP:LF films hence