High molecular weight polystyrene blends with PPE and HIPS

摘要

A method for producing a high molecular weight polystyrene comprises polymerizing styrene monomer and from about 0.01 to about 2.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight total monomer of a polyfunctional monomer in an emulsion polymerization medium. Preferred polyfunctional monomers include allyl groups, vinyl groups or mixtures thereof, and the resultant high molecular polystyrene preferably has a weight average molecular weight, Mw, greater than about 400,000. Polymer blend compositions having improved flammability performance comprise a polyphenylene ether resin, a high impact polystyrene resin, a flame retardant and a high molecular weight polystyrene resin having a weight average molecular weight, Mw, greater than about 400,000.