Abstract The morphology and/or mechanical properties of simultaneous interpenetrating networks, SINs, based on castor oil elastomers and crosslinked polystyrene, were studied by electron microscopy, stress–strain analysis, and/or Izod impact tests. Several synthetic details were changed systematically and the concomitant changes in morphology or particular properties observed. The toughness of elastomer SINs increased with decreasing domain size of the polystyrene dispersed phase. The use of a prepolymer for the elastomer network synthesis promotes the formation of larger polystyrene domains. The impact resistance of the SINs increased with the total elastomer content. Properly crosslinked and postcured compositions developed impact energies of about 60–70 J/m. SINs based on castor oil‐derived elastomers and crosslinked polystyrenes form prototype engineering materials which already compared satisfactorily to commercial polymers in terms of mechanical behavior.