Mechanical properties of polypropylene/synthetic elastomer blends

Abstract

The blends of polypropylene copolymer (PP-cp), elastomer (ethylene-1-octene copolymer, EG) and the maleic anhydride-grafted-polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) compatibilizer which was used to provide better adhesion between the EG and PP-cp. Particular consideration was given to the influence of the type of EG, MAH-g-PP and blends formulation on the morphology and mechanical properties. The morphology of blends were examined utilising SEM. The mechanical properties were determined using Notched lzod impact testing, tensile testing and flexural testing. The rheological properties studied was the melt flow index and DSC was used for determining the crystallization characteristics of PP-cp in the blends. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, yield stress and flexural properties of blends decrease with increasing the EG concentration while the elongation at break and impact strength tend to increase. Blends with 20 wt% EG and 1.0 phr MAH-g-PP have a higher impact strength than PP-cp ca. 13.8-15.9%. The effect of MAH-g-PP concentration was studied by vary ratio as 20 wt% EG concentration. The tensile properties, flexural Properties and impact strength of the blends at all concentrations are better than blends without MAH-g-PP. The maximum tensile strength, Young's modulus, yield stress and impact strength were obtained at 20 wt% EG and 1.0 phr MAH-g-PP.