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Effect of the addition of ethylene‐propylene random copolymers on the properties of high‐density polyethylene/isotactic polypropylene blends: Part 1—morphology and impact behavior of molded samples
Author(s) -
D'Orazio L.,
Greco R.,
Mancarella C.,
Martuscelli E.,
Ragosta G.,
Silvesrte C.
Publication year - 1982
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.760220904
Subject(s) - materials science , high density polyethylene , tacticity , copolymer , polypropylene , izod impact strength test , polyethylene , composite material , toughness , morphology (biology) , polymer blend , ethylene , polymer , polymerization , catalysis , organic chemistry , genetics , chemistry , biology , ultimate tensile strength
Two random commercial ethylene‐propylene copolymers (EPM) with different ethylene content have been added to binary isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/high density polyethylene (HDPE) blends by melt mixing in a Brabender‐like apparatus. Impact Izod tests and a morphological analysis on the fractured surfaces of broken specimens have been performed and discussed, in order to improve the deficiency in toughness of the binary HDPE/iPP mixtures. The results show that the impact performance of both homopolymers and HDPE/iPP binary blends is strongly improved by the addition of the EPM copolymers. Such an effect is related to the fact that the overall morphology, as well as the mechanism and mode of fracture, are greatly modified by the presence of such additives. The extent is dependent on factors such as the nature of the matrix (HDPE or iPP), the composition, and the chemical structure and/or the molecular mass of the added copolymer.