| abstract |
Disclosed is a process for the production of rubber-modified styrene copolymers, particularly high rubber content styrene copolymers, such as high rubber content ABS polymers, by suspension polymerization, comprising suspension polymerizing an admixture of polymerizable materials comprising styrene monomer, rubber polymer, and optional additional monomers copolymerizable therewith; and melt extruding the resultant rubber-modified styrene copolymer under extrusion conditions having a shear force sufficient to homogeneously disperse the rubber phase throughout the copolymer. Through the use of the process of the instant invention, high rubber content styrene copolymers may be produced in a single suspension step, with impact properties and surface appearance comparable to copolymers produced in the conventional two-step polymerization process. |