Abstract: In this paper, the syndiotacticpolystyrene (sPS) was toughened with home-made poly(butyl acrylate)-atactic polystyrene (PBA-aPS) core-shell latex particles, and the compatibility and dispersity of the sPS/PBA-aPS blend were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rotational rheometer, transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and infrared/near-infrared imaging system. It showed that the PBA-aPS core-shell latex particles had a dual role of lubrication and thickening.The glass transition temperature and melting point of the blends decreased slightly with the addition of PBA-aPS. No phase separation appeared in sPS/PBA-aPS blend under the test temperature and frequency range. Uniform dispersibility of PBA-aPS was observed in sPS with optimum contents, but excessive PBA-aPS (＞30 %) will cause particle aggregation.

Key words: syndiotactic polystyrene, core-shell latex particle, compatibility, dispersibility