Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.82, No.6, 1382-1390, 2001
Properties and morphology of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and high-density polyethylene blends
Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with and without a compatibilizing agent were studied. Both materials are widely used in the soft drink bottle industry. The compatibilizing agent was a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid partially neutralized with zinc (Surlyn). The olefinic segment of Surlyn is compatible with HDPE, whereas the Surlyn carboxylic acid groups is affine with the PET carbonyl groups. The effectiveness of the compatibilizing agent was evaluated using different techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical properties.