PROGRESS ON POLYMER TOUGHENING RESEARCH

In this review, the progress of the theories for rubber toughening polymer have been summarized.Then a new route to polymer toughening, including basic concept, analysis method, interfacial effect,criterion and mechanism for polymer toughening by rigid particles have been proposed and reviewed. It reveals that the cavetation damage is more important than the cold-drawing for polymer toughening by rigid particles. It also indicates that the theory of toughening by rigid particles is a supplement and a further progress for rubber-modified polymer. It is suggested that this theory is a realistic route of prepare high toughness and high stiffness engineering polymer alloys.