Polymer, Vol.39, No.26, 6807-6817, 1998
In situ compatibilization of polypropylene-polyethylene blends: a thermomechanical and spectroscopic study
Polypropylene (PP) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were melt blended in proportions of 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75 w/w, respectively. Poly(propylene-g-maleic anhydride) (PP-g-MA) with 0.8 mol% maleic anhydride content and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL) with 7.5 mol% vinyl alcohol content were added at a 50/50 w/w proportion as in situ reactive compatibilizers. Four series of compatibilized blends were produced containing 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 wt% compatibilizer in the final blend. The compatibilization reaction was followed by a torque increase during mixing and by FTi.r. spectroscopy. A notable improvement in tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength was observed for all blends after compatibilization acid, in particular, for the blends containing 10 wt% compatibilizer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), aided by micro-Raman spectroscopy, was used for investigating the morphology of the blends.
Keywords:HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE;ISOTACTIC POLYPROPYLENE;MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES;POLYMER BLENDS;POLYOLEFIN BLENDS;PHASE-STRUCTURE;REACTIVE COMPATIBILIZATION;IMPACT PROPERTIES;FUNCTIONAL-GROUP;MOLDED SAMPLES