Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.35, No.6, 979-991, 1997
Morphology Evolution and Location of Ethylene-Propylene Copolymer in Annealed Polyethylene/Polypropylene Blends
Binary blends of linear low density polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and ternary blends of PE, PP, and EP copolymer (EPR) were prepared in a finely mixed state. In all blends the ratio of PP to PE was 85/15. In some of the blends, the PE component was labeled with a fluorescent dye; in other blends, the EPR component was labeled. These blends were investigated by laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy [LCFM] as a function of annealing time as well as EPR compatibilizer content. In this way we were able to follow the evolution of sample morphology and the location of the EPR in the blends. The presence of EPR in the blends retards the growth of droplets of the dispersed PE phase. When EPR was added in amounts up to 5 wt %, it tended to cover the PE droplets in patches rather than form a true core-shell structure. In the LCFM images, the EPR/PP interface appeared sharper than the EPR/PE interface.
Keywords:HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE;POLYMER BLENDS;MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES;POLYPROPYLENE BLENDS;POLYOLEFIN BLENDS;BLOCK COPOLYMERS;MELT RHEOLOGY;CRYSTALLIZATION;BEHAVIOR;PHASE