~Most plastics designed for engineering applications are multiphase materials that contain elastomeric impact modifiers and often other polymers. The addition of toughening agents usually increases the overall ductility of the polymer over a wide temperature range but also improves resistance to notch sensitivity and toughness of thick sections, reduces water absorption, etc. As more knowledge of miscibility, compatibility and interaction of polymers has become available in recent years, more varied approaches to improved polymer blends have become apparent.
Rubber toughening is a process in which rubber nanoparticles are interspersed within a polymer matrix to increase the mechanical robustness, or toughness, of the material. By "toughening" a polymer it is meant that the ability of the polymeric substance to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracture is increased. Considering the significant advantages in mechanical properties that rubber toughening offers, most major thermoplastics are available in rubber-toughened versions;[1] for many engineering applications, material toughness is a deciding factor in final material selection.
