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Polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate blends compatibilized through functionalization
Author(s) -
Xanthos M.,
Young M. W.,
Biesenberger J. A.
Publication year - 1990
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.760300607
Subject(s) - polypropylene , materials science , compounding , differential scanning calorimetry , polyethylene , composite material , polyethylene terephthalate , polyester , plastics extrusion , polymer blend , surface modification , crystallization , scanning electron microscope , chemical engineering , copolymer , polymer chemistry , polymer , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
In attempts to improve the compatibility of polypropylene with polyethylene terephthalate, an acrylic acid functionalized polypropylene was evaluated as the blend component in polyblends containing 40 percent by weight polyethylene terephthalate and compared with an unmodified polypropylene. The preliminary experiments in a batch laboratory mixer were followed by compounding in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. Additives such as magnesium acetate and p‐toluenesulfonic acid were evaluated as catalysts for potential interchange or esterification reactions that could occur in the melt. The blends were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and for mechanical properties. The results show that the functionalized polypropylene promotes a fine dispersed phase morphology, improves processability and mechanical properties, and modifies the crystallization behavior of the polyester component. These effects are attributed to enhanced phase interactions resulting in reduced interfacial tension (calculated as a 4‐fold decrease). The presence of the additives does not, in general, improve any further the blend morphology and properties, or its processability.