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Performance improvement of (linear low‐density polyethylene)/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends by in situ silane crosslinking
Author(s) -
Nordin Razif,
Ismail Hanafi,
Ahmad Zukifli,
Rashid Azura
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.20294
Subject(s) - linear low density polyethylene , materials science , vinyl alcohol , ultimate tensile strength , silane , composite material , thermal stability , polyethylene , polymer blend , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , polymer chemistry , chemical engineering , polymer , copolymer , engineering
Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends were prepared by melt mixing. LLDPE/PVA weight ratios between 90/10 and 40/60 were studied. The effects of the silane coupling agent 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate on processability, gel fraction, component interaction, compatibility, thermal stability, tensile properties, and morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends were investigated. The results indicated that the presence of silane increased the equilibrium torque of the LLDPE/PVA blends because of crosslinking and better compatibility between LLDPE and PVA. The degree of crosslinking was quantified by gel fraction measurements, and crosslinking was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. The melting temperature depression of PVA and LLDPE further suggested the formation of crosslinks. The thermal stability and tensile properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the blends also increased with the incorporation of silane. Improved compatibility between LLDPE and PVA in the blends with silane was demonstrated by the interconnected rough material observed in scanning electron microscopy images that differed from the morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends without silane. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers