Gamma radiation of EVA-AA/MMA swollen systems to obtain mechanically improved blends

In this work a "new" way to obtain "compatibilised" blends of rubber-glassy thermoplastic components is presented. Polyethylen-vinyl acetate acrylic acid terpolymer is swollen by methylmetacrylate and the system is irradiated through gamma rays in order to induce polymerisation of the monomer. Solubility and dynamic mechanical tests indicate the formation of a two phase system, even though in presence of strong interactions between the two components. Mechanical tensile behaviour is that of a ductile material with appreciable modulus values.