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Linear low‐density polyethylene addition to polypropylene/elastomer blends: Phase structure and impact properties
Author(s) -
Holz N.,
Goizueta G. S.,
Capiati N. J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.10676
Subject(s) - linear low density polyethylene , materials science , composite material , polypropylene , polyethylene , scanning electron microscope , izod impact strength test , elastomer , polymer blend , particle size , polyolefin , natural rubber , phase (matter) , toughness , particle (ecology) , transmission electron microscopy , copolymer , polymer , chemical engineering , ultimate tensile strength , organic chemistry , chemistry , oceanography , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , engineering , geology
Abstract Morphology features and effects of particle size and composition of the disperse phase on the impact properties have been studied for the blends of isotactic polypropylene (PP)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer and (EPDM)/linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE). The blend components were mixed in a twin‐screw extruder, press molded, and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, SEM (fractured and toluene etched samples), and by transmission electron microscopy, TEM (RuO 4 stained samples). TEM was most effective for the identification of component distribution and particle size measurement. An increasing degree of LLDPE and EPDM interpenetration was observed with the PE content. Not one case of a neat component separation was detected. LLDPE addition improves the EPDM dispersability, affecting mainly the larger particles. The impact properties at room temperature were especially dependent on the rubber content, whereas at low temperature the particle diameter appears to be the controlling parameter. The affect of LLDPE on blend toughness is more evident in the latter case.