Calculation of the Glass Transition Temperature of Plasticized Poly(vinylchloride) using Molecular Dynamic Method

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plays a key role in the production of a large variety of products includingbuilding materials, furniture, toys, medical devices, electrical insulation, hygiene products, and foodwrappers. However, pure PVC is naturally brittle causing issues during processing. To combat thisissue, plasticizers are commonly added to the PVC to impart flexibility and thermal stability. Theeffects of plasticizers on the dynamics of polymer/plasticizer blends are practically important andtheoretically interesting. Although, it is well-known that plasticizers alter the glass transition ofpolymers (Tg), a microscopic view of the interplay between polymers and plasticizers andconsequently the Tg shifts is not completely clear. In this study, the effect of poly(butyl acrylate)(PBA) as an internal plasticizer on the Tg of PVC is investigated.

Calculation of the Glass Transition Temperature of Plasticized Poly(vinylchloride) using Molecular Dynamic Method Keywords:

Poly(vinyl chloride) , Copolymer , Poly(butyl acrylate) , Glass transition temperature